Airports are incredibly important to economic growth – they’re far more than just transport hubs. By taking a strategic approach to our airports we’re able to maximise their potential with an investment and development model tailored to the strengths of the specific sites and regions in which they sit.

Leeds Bradford Airport is no exception. With Leeds City Centre set to double in size, and the arrival of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, the amount of people living and working within the area is set to be boosted – which means an increase in those travelling to and from the airport, along with an increased demand for global imports and exports to the region which could go through the airport.

We’re delighted to have Leeds Bradford Airport speaking at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference where David Laws, Chief Executive, will present about their ongoing plans to contribute to the economic growth story within the region. And they’ve just finished the first phase of their redevelopment…

The region’s largest airport, recently rebranded Leeds Bradford: Yorkshire’s Airport, has undergone a massive airside redevelopment and improvements to the terminal front.

Designed to offer more choice for customers with a modern and vibrant feel, a multi-million pound development has seen the entire departure lounge transformed with additional seating plus a range of new shops, cafes, restaurants, bar areas and airport lounges.

The Yorkshire Lounge, The White Rose Suite and 1432 Club are three purpose built lounges with stunning floor to ceiling runway views designed to offer a leisure, business or first-class experience.

A brand new Cabin Bar, where passengers can indulge with elegant cocktails, small plates and craft beers has been added in addition to a complete refurbishment of the Saltaire restaurant. A dedicated area to cater for large groups has seen the installation of The Beer House that has replaced The Sports Bar.

Coffee lovers can now sit back and relax with works now complete on a brand new Starbucks facility offering its globally renowned coffee experience.

Football fans can take advantage of a new Leeds United retail shop that also includes a selection of vintage England shirts. As well as developing its food and beverage offering, the airport has also invested in free non-commercial seating within the departure lounge.

Works on the terminal front are now complete and include an improved Meet & Greet car-park facility. The easiest way to start your trip, our improved service now allows passengers to collect their car right at the front of the terminal building. The airport’s official taxi service, Arrow Cars, have relocated with their new office and taxi-lane now on the terminal forecourt.

In March, the airport opened its first off-site car park, Viking Airport Parking. Situated just off the airport roundabout located on Warren House Lane, Viking ensures passengers have the smoothest possible start to their holiday. With members of staff on hand to park customers’ cars 24/7, shuttle buses transport passengers from the car park to the terminal in less than five minutes.

With an ambition to create an airport that matches the needs and requirements of the region it serves and the surrounding area, panels right across the front of the terminal building have been fully decorated with multi-coloured versions of Welcome to Yorkshire’s famous “Y” logo.

Chief Executive David Laws, who’ll be presenting at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference, said: “We are delighted to offer our passengers even more choice in our departure lounge, as well as improved facilities for business travellers. We hope people will see this as the start of things to come for this airport.

“Our passengers’ journey begins right here at the airport and it’s vital we give them the best possible experience. We have listened to their feedback and as the development of LBA continues, we hope to keep improving the customer experience and ensure our passengers feel welcome.

“We want the people of our thriving region to get behind their airport and help us move forward. The more people use the airport the more successful we can be.

“Work continues to improve our route offering for both business and leisure services while we are now working on our exciting plans for phase two of the terminal infrastructure to improve security and passenger flow. We hope to have more exciting announcements in the very near future.”

To find out more about the next phases of redevelopment at the airport and their plans for the future – and how they’ll be integrated into the economic growth story for the region – join us at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference in September.