Airport News
Leeds Bradford Airport has officially opened its €13.5 million revamped terminal.
UK Foreign Secretary William Hague was on hand to do the honours and toured the new facility with the airport’s CEO, John Parkin, and commercial director, Tony Hallwood.
Construction work to improve the passenger experience started in December 2011.
The completed terminal provides 65% more airside space over two floors, creating a new larger departure lounge, a range of new F&B outlets, a major walk-through Tax and Duty Free store and additional retail brands.
The development has created an additional 2,500sqm of airside space of which 600sqm is new. The security area has also been expanded by 40%.
The airport’s Yorkshire Premier Lounge has also been extended to provide both a business and leisure product.
Passengers may now choose two separate areas – an exclusive business zone and family friendly leisure lounge.
Opening the terminal, the Foreign Secretary said: “Regional airports can make a vital contribution to local and regional economies and Leeds Bradford is an excellent example of that, providing more than €120 million of value to the City Region, a figure set to grow by 10% with the introduction of the new British Airways services.
“Regional airports also have an important role to play in strengthening the national economy by ensuring that the UK remains one of the best connected countries in the world, so that we can compete successfully for economic opportunities in established and emerging markets.”
CEO, John Parkin, added: “This commitment by our shareholders to invest such a significant amount highlights our confidence in the optimism and strength of the Leeds City Region economy and the businesses which we serve.
“By investing in the airport we are also therefore investing in the region’s core infrastructure to support further growth.”
2012 has seen a number of significant business development announcements with the introduction of major new airlines and the expansion of the airport’s route network.
Monarch announced the launch of its sixth UK base in 2013 at Leeds Bradford Airport, introducing 13 routes from Yorkshire’s gateway airport.
Earlier this week British Airways launched its four-times-a-day flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to London Heathrow.
