Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA/EGNM) has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council to build a sustainable and more efficient state-of-art terminal.
The new terminal will replace the existing one, which was built in 1965, with an efficient three-floor building designed to help the airport meet its net-zero by 2023 target.
Measuring 34,000sq metre the building will be constructed on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.
Hywel Rees, Chief Executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “The new terminal design allows delivery of existing consented capacity in a more efficient way, with a smaller environmental footprint. The replacement building will have a modern, flexible design whilst achieving operational excellence to give passengers the best experience and address the challenges we know our passengers face far too frequently that cannot be overcome within our current building.
“We are committed to the future of LBA and bringing our plans to fruition if approved. This significant investment in the airport will protect and create new jobs, boost international connectivity, and comes at a time when the region and sector need to turbocharge the economic recovery.”
Leeds Bradford Airport says the new terminal could create up to 12,650 permanent jobs across the Leeds region as well as 850 jobs during ther construction process.
The airport is the 15th busiest in the UK and in 2019 saw almost 4 million passengers use the existing facilities.
Sandy Needham, Chief Executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “Connectivity to markets around the world will remain a major factor in the growth of our regional economy once we are through the current crisis, and so plans to redevelop Leeds Bradford Airport are welcomed by the Chamber.
“As the economy begins to recover, investment in new infrastructure will provide jobs not only during the construction phase but after works are complete also. As we transition out of the single European market, hopefully with a comprehensive free trade deal, at the end of 2020 it will be more important than ever that Yorkshire businesses can access global markets conveniently.
“Dealing with the short-term implications of COVID-19 will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the minds of businesses but longer-term market entry strategies will benefit from more efficient international connectivity from our regional airport.”
More information about Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans can be found here
