Airport publishing its updated masterplan with plans to serve more destinations including long haul and an expansion of the terminal building and a possible extension of the runway. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) could see passenger numbers soar to 11m a year from its current 4.8m by 2050
The airport, which last week announced the departure of chief executive Andrew Cornish at the end of June, has published its updated masterplan for its continued expansion.
This week LJLA will launch a four-week public consultation on the document.
The airport has plans to serve more destinations including long haul, with passenger forecasts indicating the potential to grow passenger numbers to 7.8m by 2030, and to 11m by 2050.
These increases will require investment in a proposed expansion of the terminal building, additional car parking, passenger facilities including hotels, retail, food and drink services and a potential extension of the runway.
There is also significant potential to grow cargo operations at LJLA, to attract specialist aviation businesses and to develop a cluster of related high quality employment opportunities.
Investments in the airport’s physical infrastructure have a potential to increase total annual GVA impact in the Liverpool city region to £625m and will enable it to support 12,280 jobs by 2030.
The plan also considers the environmental effects of the proposals and includes measures to ensure that adverse impacts are identified and wherever possible mitigated.
Despite the increased activity, the overall impacts of noise on surrounding areas is expected to be reduced as improvements in aircraft technology result in quieter aircraft and more focused flight paths.
Mark Povall, strategy director for LJLA, said: “Our ambitious plans will help LJLA to maximise its contribution to the regeneration and renaissance of Liverpool as an international city and play a key role in the economic growth of the Liverpool city region.
“We aim to be the airport of choice for business and leisure travellers from across the North West and North Wales by growing the range of destinations.”
He added: “Through our growth we also want to continue to be good neighbours. We are holding a series of consultation events to explain the physical changes proposed.”