LEEDS Bradford Airport has formally launched a masterplan outlining its development strategy for the next 13 years.

Route to 2030 was first released in draft form in March 2016, and the final document was launched at the airport today (Friday) at an event attended by council leaders, councillors and MPs.

The document outlines the airport's plans to grow and develop to carry a projected 7.1m passengers by 2030.

In its masterplan LBA supports a new road link around the airport between the A658 and A65 with a spur to the airport. It also supports an airport Parkway station on the Harrogate-Leeds railway line;

Its vision for the future includes the creation of an 'economic hub', which will create jobs and will include an airport village, air innovation park and air freight park. Further economic analysis is being carried out to establish demand for new industrial and office space to establish LBA as an employment hub as well as a transport hub.

The airport's plans include expansion of aircraft stands, boarding gates and new taxiways, as well as

further development of the terminal building.

John Parkin, Chief Executive at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "This Masterplan paves the way for the future of LBA and importantly sets out ways in which we will seek to meet air travel demand in a sustainable way, while contributing significantly to the economy.

"Our vision is to be an outstanding airport, connecting Yorkshire with the world and this document is central to how we will deliver that. We will continue to work closely with the Local and Combined Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure that our plans are of benefit to all.

"I would like to thank everyone, including many community groups, for their feedback during our consultation process. We very much look forward to the coming years, in which passengers will see a step change in many areas of our development – exciting times for LBA."

The masterplan is available to read online at www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/about-the-airport/airport-masterplan.