LUTON AIRPORT, now run by TBI, the current majority shareholder, is about to embark on a major terminal expansion finishing works which the previous operator, a consortium led by Barclays Bank, failed to complete in 1998/9.
At that time the old terminal building was redeveloped as the airside passenger complex and has been kept up to date on a shoestring basis.
Under the new plans the unused (and unknown to most people) mezzanine floor of the Sir Norman Foster designed terminal will be opened up as a circa 100,000 sq ft - (9000 sq m) airside passenger mall linked to two new piers, passengers from the first floor accessing the aircraft through standing only gate lounges at ground level (with facilities for the handicapped and infirm).
Luton has no airbridges but does have a very advanced and impressive fully automated baggage distribution operation which greatly helps the fast turnaround demanded by budget carriers.
The first pier will serve four B737/A319s on the north apron and a similar number on the south side. The stands can also be used by larger aircraft types such as B767/747/A330.
The cost is said to be £20m, vastly lower than original estimates.
The whole scheme has planning permission with a target completion date for the Christmas holiday period 2005.
http://www.london-luton.com