The cabinet member for Transport on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Councillor Liam Robinson, told a group of Downtown in Business members that he and mayor Steve Rotheram are committed to the future success of Liverpool John Lennon Airport – suggesting that investment to connect the facility more effectively to the rest of the city could be on its way.
Speaking at a breakfast event hosted by DIB at the Airport, Cllr. Robinson said that the visitor economy sector was still a huge contributor to the city-region economy – and that the airport would play a continuing and vital role in attracting international visitors.
The Transport chief also outlined ambitions for greener public transport, including hydrogen buses, a London-style smart card system, and improved connectivity across the city-region. He also welcomed the latest commitment from new PM Liz Truss to re-introduce a comprehensive Northern Power Rail link, as proposed by Transport for the North, and the opportunities that HS2 will bring to Liverpool.
Joining Liam for a discussion with DIB Group chairman and chief executive Frank McKenna was the chief executive of the airport John Irving.
Mr Irving explained that the pandemic had battered the aviation industry more than most sectors – and despite bouncing back strongly, Liverpool JLA still had a way to go before returning to the pre-pandemic passenger numbers that were being enjoyed.
Nonetheless, the introduction of the Lufthansa brand to the range of airlines flying from Liverpool had contributed significantly to a positive improvement in performance during the past year. With glowing reports in its managing of passengers and security throughout the Summer, Liverpool John Lennon Airport has established itself as one of the fastest, friendliest airports to fly from in the UK.
