‘AMBITIOUS’ plans that would see Luton Airport expand to take 18 million passengers a year were revealed today.
London Luton Airport Limited, the company that owns the aiport on behalf of Luton Borough Council, says the expansion could create up to 6,000 new jobs.
The project, called ‘futureLuToN:Optimisation’, was detailed to the Luton Airport Consultative Committee at its meeting today, and a four-week public consultation will begin on February 4.
Cllr Robin Harris, who chairs LLAL, said: “We’re at the very beginning of a journey that builds on the tremendous success we have seen through the last decade and will ultimately bring huge benefits to Luton and the wider region – with jobs and much-needed income.
“We will consult actively and listen carefully ahead of submitting a planning application to enhance this important people’s asset but we must be ready to embrace market demand in the future.
“The need for additional airport capacity in the South-East of England and the enormous growth that low-cost carriers have demonstrated in recent years gives us every confidence that London Luton Airport will continue to become ever-more attractive to both existing and new airlines.”
The airport is the UK’s fifth biggest and currently sees around 9.5 million passengers a year.
Cllr Harris added: “The benefits that will flow from the airport’s development will be realised in the local, regional and national economies.
“We are committed to ensure the airport will continue to be a good neighbour and any growth in passenger numbers is managed in a responsible manner.
“Impacts on the environment, noise and road traffic flows will be fully evaluated as part of the process to ensure the airport’s development continues to be as sustainable as it has always been.”
“Our plans that will go out for public consultation in February are ambitious.
“While we will have to work hard to meet our aspirations, I am encouraged by the vast majority of people and businesses in Luton and the wider region who believe strongly that the airport is a terrific asset for job creation and our biggest wealth creator.”
What do you think about the plans? Leave a comment below or have your say on our {http://www.facebook.com/heraldandpost|Facebook|Click here for our Facebook page} or {https://twitter.com/#!/lutonnews|Twitter|Click here for the Luton News Twitter feed} pages.
> What do you think? Have your say, our contact details are on page 2