Forecasts produced by Liverpool John Lennon airport show the potential to grow annual passenger numbers from 5 million to 7.8 million by 2030.
The airport has ambitious plans to serve more destinations including long haul with a potential runway extension.
An investment of around £100 million over the next ten years would be needed to meet the targets including a proposed expansion of the terminal building, additional car parking, passenger facilities including hotels, retail, food and drink services.
The airport has seen growth in passenger numbers of more than 25% since 2014 and it is seen by owner Peel Airports as having the potential to further enhance its economic and social impact across the region.
A strategic vision to 2030 released today sets out how the company intends to take the airport forward.
The strategy incorporates an airport master plan to 2050 which in turn sets out potential future infrastructure development needed to deliver the forecast expansion. This follows last year’s public consultation of a draft airport master plan.
The increase in passenger throughput and investments in the airport’s infrastructure has a potential to increase total annual ‘gross value added’ impact to £625 million.
This will enable it to support more than 12,000 jobs across the Liverpool region by 2030.
Increased employment on site and within the region also has the potential to generate around £270 million a year in additional added value through non-aviation development.
Airport chairman Robert Hough said: “Since investing in the business over 20 years ago, the Peel Group have always believed in this airport’s tremendous potential and today sees the launch of the latest chapter in what has been a tremendous success story for the Airport and the region.
“Liverpool is the faster, easier, friendlier airport of choice for passengers from across the region, millions of whom now choose to take advantage of flying from an airport with a relaxed, hassle free environment and best in class operational performance.
“However, we cannot afford to stand still in what remains a very challenging economic and competitive environment, which is why we have set out our strategic vision for the airport going forward in order to deliver continued success.”
New airport chief executive, John Irving, added: “Prior to joining the airport I was well aware of Liverpool’s recent success story and the excellent reputation it has within the aviation industry.
“The Peel Group’s continued investment has seen Liverpool become one of the UK’s stand-out regional airports.
“By working with stakeholders from across the region to implement our latest strategic vision, there is every reason to believe that by building on our success, this growth can continue, bringing tremendous economic benefits for the city region, the north-west and beyond.”
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