12 July 2017

LLA’s transformation aims to increase capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers per year.

Sudlows has been appointed as the primary network infrastructure provider for London Luton Airport (LLA) as part of a new three-year framework agreement.

LLA is the UK’s fifth largest airport and carried 14.5 million passengers in 2016, an increase of 18.5 per cent on 2015. It indirectly employs more than 9,400 staff and is said to be a key economic driver for the region.  

The airport is currently investing more than £110 million as part of its transformation plans to increase capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers by 2020. The project is the biggest single investment in LLA’s history. 

The redevelopment plans will include a complete redesign of the terminal building, bringing in new retail and dining options. Sudlows will provide installation support for all new IT cable infrastructure and other large projects at the airport.

These include major upgrades to transport links, including better road access to the M1, new car parking facilities, a remodelled bus and coach interchange, and improved rail links to Luton Airport Parkway station. 

In addition, plans for a new £200 million light rail system linking the airport with Parkway station have been announced and are expected to be completed by 2020. 

Kamal Patel, head of IT at the airport, says: “Getting the digital infrastructure right during the construction phase and ensuring it is future proof is an integral part of our redevelopment.” 

Sudlows claims its “expertise and knowledge” of working with large airports will bring “huge” benefits to the ongoing work and expansion of LLA.

The Manchester-based firm adds that it was appointed following a comprehensive tendering process which includes the option to extend the contract for a further two years after 2020.