easyJet reveals desire for Luton Airport makeover
Access to Luton Airport must be improved, queuing times at security and immigration have to be cut and the passenger experience improved, says its largest airline easyJet.
Outlining its vision for the future of Luton, the airline said it recognised the importance of the airport to the region as well as its potential to grow passenger numbers, destinations and local employment.
It said the airport could also play a vital role as part of the Government’s strategic intent of more effectively using existing airport capacity in the southeast.
But it said it needed improved infrastructure, increased accessibility and a better image.
Key elements of easyJet’s vision, which follows two recently published master plans from Luton Borough Council and London Luton Airport Operations Limited, include making the airport easier to get to with more frequent fast trains to and from London.
The airline also wants to see the removal of the charge for the Luton Airport Parkway shuttle bus and a Junction 10a off the motorway.
It says its terminal facilities should be more passenger-friendly, with reduced waiting times at security and immigration, more stands to avoid bussing passengers to planes, more seating and retail shops in better locations.
EasyJet also wants to see improvements to airfield infrastructure, including cost-effective parallel taxiways to avoid congestion.
Chief executive Carolyn McCall said: "Our mission is to make travel easy and affordable. It’s clear that at present London Luton Airport is not as good as it could be, and it should be positioned to play a bigger part in overall airport capacity in London and the South East.
"We therefore broadly welcome the infrastructure development plans from the Council and London Luton Airport Operations Limited. "
EasyJet UK director Paul Simmons added: "Developing the airport infrastructure is only one part of what is needed at London Luton. We believe that the airport and the Council should work proactively with airlines to find the best solution for passengers and for the local taxpayers who ultimately own the airport.
"This solution must cover airport infrastructure, improvement of road and rail access and the changing of old perceptions which are holding us back. It goes without saying that all of this has to be achieved at a sensible cost.
"If we grasp this opportunity now London Luton will grow, deliver a great passenger experience and significantly contribute more to the local and regional economy.
"With this framework we look forward to seeing the plans develop as quickly as possible."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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