London Luton Airport (LLA) concluded a three-year transformation phase as it unveiled its newly upgraded terminal yesterday.

Travellers can now shop at more than 30 new high street and luxury outlets including Hugo Boss, Chanel, Ted Baker and Oliver Bonas – an airport first.

Leasing arrangements for the majority of the commercial tenants finalised earlier this year, as revealed exclusively by TRBusiness, with Lagardère Travel Retail also undertaking a reconfiguration to its Aelia Duty Free departures shop.

In addition, a 104sq m last-minute Aelia Duty Free outlet located before the departure gates is now accessible, alongside a variety of new F&B options.

RAFT OF IMPROVEMENTS

The transformation of the terminal feeds into LLA’s wider £160m ($200m) redevelopment plan to improve the passenger experience, as it targets a 50% boost in capacity to reach 18m pax by 2020.

Other terminal improvements now available to passengers include free WiFi, 1,000 extra seats, eight new boarding gates and a boarding pier, an expanded security control zone, and extra vehicular access.

Nick Barton, CEO of London Luton Airport said: “2018 has been a milestone year for LLA.

“We celebrated our 80^th anniversary in the summer and now we have completed our three-year transformation which brings a host of benefits to passengers. This is a new era for LLA. We are the fastest-growing major London airport and are now in a position to play an increasingly important role in the UK’s aviation network.”

Adding his comments during a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “Luton’s investment firmly puts passengers at the heart of development and will improve the experience of those using the airport for business or holidays.

“Supporting thriving airports like Luton will form a part of the Government’s Aviation 2050 consultation, ensuring the benefits of transformation are felt across the local area.”

Last year, the airport grew its traffic to 15.7m (+8.6%) and expects to handle more than 16.5m (+5%) this year.