Alex Sobel MP has written to the new owners of Leeds Bradford airport after it was bought this week by an Australian investment firm. The airport was acquired by AMP capital and Mr Sobel has wasted no time in contacting Simon Ellis, Head of Origination, Europe.
In the letter, Mr Sobel sought assurances that the planned infrastructure improvements to the airport- namely the airport link road and the Park and Ride rail link, as well as improvements to the terminal building and an extended taxi way - were still going ahead. He emphasised the importance of the development of an economic hub, which could create up to 5500 new jobs.
Mr Sobel also called for improved terms and conditions for staff, particularly for those recently brought in-house, and for the £3 drop off charge to be reduced or scrapped.
Alex Sobel said “I would like to welcome the new owners of Leeds Bradford Airport to our area and would like to pass on my congratulations to them for the acquisition. The airport is in the midst of a great change and it is hugely important to our local economy that we get this right.
The £3 drop off charge has made getting to the airport more difficult and has added an extra cost for passengers who travel to and from our airport. It is paramount that the development of a new economic hub continues as it will be transformative, bringing many jobs and investment to our area. The airport is in dire need of new infrastructure to facilitate its continued growth and I look forward to working with the new owners to ensure that this happens.”