Lord Hutton appointed as chair of London Luton Airport to guide major expansion phase

Credit: London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LLA) has appointed Lord John Hutton as Chair of the Board to oversee the next phase of its development. LLA, the UK’s fifth-largest airport, is operated under a long-term concession by Aena – the world’s largest airport operator – and infrastructure investment manager InfraBridge. The airport is owned by Luton Rising, a Luton Council company established for community benefit.

New chair Lord Hutton to guide London Luton Airport’s growth and expansion plans

Lord Hutton joins at a pivotal moment following the Transport Secretary’s approval to increase the airport’s passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million annually over the next 18 years.

He will play a vital role in supporting the public-private partnership between Luton Rising and operators Aena and InfraBridge, helping ensure expansion benefits are delivered swiftly.

Since 2013, shareholder investment has driven LLA’s fastest period of growth, with passenger numbers increasing from 10 million to 18 million. Over £0.5 billion in concession fees has been returned to Luton Council to support local community services.

Lord Hutton, who served as MP for Barrow and Furness for 18 years, held Cabinet posts under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown including Secretary of State for Defence and for Business. He chaired the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission and currently chairs the Association of Infrastructure Investors in Public Private Partnerships.

Commenting on his appointment, Lord Hutton said: “I am proud to become Chair of LLA – an asset of national importance and a prime example of the public-private partnership model working for the benefit of local communities and public and private shareholders.”

Alberto Martin, CEO of LLA, added: “Lord Hutton is a great addition to the Board… I look forward to working together to make the expansion plans a reality.”

Rodrigo Marabini Ruiz of Aena noted: “Luton Airport has one of the most ambitious and economically impactful expansion plans… we welcome Lord Hutton’s expertise.”

Graeme Ferguson of InfraBridge said: “His deep experience across both government and the private sector will be invaluable.”

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