Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, which will be supported by £200 million ($256 million) of private investment and will create up to 5,500 new jobs.
Increasing visitor numbers
According to the airport, the plans will contribute a total of almost £1 billion ($1.27 billion) to the local economy, as the airport is expected to reach seven million passengers a year by 2030.
LBA will increase the terminal area by 38% and invest in the existing airfield to create up to 10 new stands for LBA aircraft to be based there overnight. These stands are designed to encourage partner airlines to base quieter and more efficient aircraft and provide the opportunity to introduce new destinations and expand existing routes.
ILBA has highlighted its ambitions to secure more connections to European hub airports with connecting options, as well as new destinations in the North Atlantic and Middle East. Looking beyond 2030, LBA has highlighted longer-term ambitions, such as a new purpose-built replacement terminal, the construction of a new hotel within walking distance of the airport and the potential growth in the specialty air cargo sector.
Sustainable development
The plans include a further commitment beyond the recently launched LBA:REGEN development to advance the airport’s strategy to be net zero carbon by 2030. In line with the LBA’s net zero carbon roadmap, the airport plans to minimise its environmental footprint by decarbonising transport links, investing in on-site solar-powered infrastructure and creating more electric vehicle charging points. In addition, the airport has reiterated its commitment to supporting the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s proposals for a public transport system that connects the airport to an integrated cycling, walking, bus and rail network. The full LBA Vision 2030 strategy can be viewed in the airport’s virtual exhibition, which can be found here.
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “The launch of this LBA Vision 2030 marks a new era of travel for the region. This transformative strategy will play a critical role in facilitating trade links for local businesses, creating thousands of new jobs and attracting international investment to Yorkshire. Our commitment is bold and ambitious, but we stand firm in our stance to build a net-zero carbon future for the airport. With this comprehensive plan in place, we are confident that LBA can continue to play a significant role in improving the region’s international connectivity and supporting local economic growth for years to come.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “Leeds Bradford Airport’s Vision 2030 document sets out clearly how the airport will improve Yorkshire’s connection to the rest of the world. This significant private investment will benefit local communities and the wider Yorkshire region and act as a catalyst for significant, long-term economic growth. The airport’s plans promise to create a range of skilled jobs and strengthen connectivity between key international markets, creating new opportunities for Yorkshire businesses abroad.”
“Committing to reduce the airport’s ground operations to net-zero carbon emissions is a great first step. There is still a lot of work to be done across the industry to decarbonise aviation as a whole and I look forward to seeing how Leeds Bradford can contribute to this. We have been competitive as a region for decades, despite long-standing connectivity issues. But alongside my plan for significantly improved public transport in a better-connected West Yorkshire, now is the perfect time to improve the international gateway to our region.”
In related news, Leeds Bradford Airport has officially started construction on its new £100 million ($125 million) terminal, with the groundbreaking ceremony taking place on April 15, 2024. Click here to read the full story.
