LBAs response to White Paper

Leeds Bradford welcomes Government’s Air Transport White Paper
16 December 2003

Leeds Bradford International Airport today welcomed the publication of the Government’s White Paper, which considers the future of air transport up to 2030.

The Government wishes to see continuing growth in air transport, whilst taking steps to mitigate and minimise any environmental disbenefits. The White Paper supports the increasing use of regional airports and recognises the key role that Leeds Bradford plays in the Yorkshire and The Humber region. It is forecast that the airport’s traffic could grow from its current level of 2 million passengers per year to around 7 million passengers by 2030.

Airport Managing Director Ed Anderson commented ‘Our dramatic growth of 33% in the current year demonstrates that people wish to fly from their local airport wherever possible. We believe that the forecast of 7 million passengers per year by 2030 is realistic. We are determined to minimise any nuisance to our neighbours as we continue to grow. The White Paper is important because it provides the policy framework against which any proposals for future development at Leeds Bradford will be considered. We aim to continue to grow and develop and play an increasing role in the economic prosperity of the region.’