Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is investing £5m ($6.5m) this summer in upgrades and customer service initiatives to enhance passenger experience.

Passengers will have more choice for retail and food with the new and upgraded offerings, according to LBA.

The works programme includes improvements to washrooms and airport lounges. Reorientation of the security hall and behind the scenes upgrades to baggage systems will create greater operational efficiency and improve passenger flow through the airport.

Investment in technology means passengers will benefit from a smoother transition through LBA, including the introduction of an order and pay service at Saltaire and Cabin Bars. LBA will also become the first airport in the UK to offer digital flight updates via WhatsApp.

AIRPORT VISION

Joanna Wild, Chief Commercial Officer, LBA said: “Our vision is to serve our region as a truly outstanding airport and to profoundly change the perception and reality of customer experience for passengers.

“While we have a long-term plan to make this vision a reality, we recognise that our passengers need to see some immediate improvements to our services and facilities and we are committed to getting this right. We have listened to passenger feedback and assessed each and every part of our existing terminal to create a priority list of enhancements, which includes everything from improved way-finding to new staff uniforms so that passengers can find our teams when they need them.

“We are committed to making the journey through LBA smoother and passengers can expect to see a shift change in the way we do things. We’re really excited to introduce a number of customer service initiatives over the coming months to the benefit of all.”

Earlier this month, LBA unveiled fresh plans to build a state-of-the-art terminal, which aims to improve passenger experience, deliver one of the UK’s most environmentally efficient airport buildings and support greater economic prosperity for the Leeds City Region, Yorkshire and the North.

LBA said these new plans, to be submitted in spring 2020, replaced the recently consented scheme and existing terminal building, with a more efficient and sustainable development. The plans propose the construction of a three-floor, 34,000sq m terminal on an alternative site within the airport’s boundary.