Utilising the services of a number of local building and shop fit companies, these latest improvement works are expected to be completed in June 2017. Tony McDonough reports.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has begun work on a £4m upgrade of its departure lounge.

The refurbishment will see the transformation of around 20,000 sq ft of the lounge.

Utilising the services of a number of local building and shop fit companies, these latest improvement works are expected to be completed in June 2017, ahead of the peak Summer season.

They will take place in the  first area that passengers enter having completed the security screening process.

This latest investment at LJLA includes a reconfigured retail area for both new and existing retail outlets, new washroom facilities, large flight information screens and new seating helping to create a “lighter and brighter passenger environment”.

Earlier this year the airport completed the first phase of terminal improvements having invested £2.5m in a number of new and improved facilities.

Surveys conducted throughout the year to gauge passengers’ views on a range of issues show that passengers have subsequently been quick to give the ‘thumbs-up’ to these improvements.

David Taylor, LJLA’s interim commercial manager, said: “We are looking to create a real ‘wow factor’ for passengers as we welcome them into the departure lounge, further enhancing the customer experience and building on the really positive passenger feedback.

“We believe these latest improvements and additions to the lounge will continue to grow our reputation as the faster, easier, friendlier airport of choice for passengers as we look to create the airport our region loves.”