Advising Leeds Bradford Airport on major regeneration and infrastructure projects
Airport expansion goes beyond capacity alone – it can unlock investment, drive regional growth and create employment opportunities. The Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) Vision 2030 regeneration strategy aims to do exactly that. From modernising facilities to expanding infrastructure, it’s expected to inject close to £1 billion into the economy. We supported LBA on key phases of this strategy, including construction and engineering contracts to install modern plant and equipment, alongside airport-wide upgrades to secure essential services and support asset management.
Helping a regeneration strategy take shape
We began advising LBA just after its LBA:REGEN programme had begun. As part of the £100 million terminal regeneration project, we were engaged by the General Counsel to support on commercial real estate matters and contract negotiations.
From there, our partnership grew. The Real Estate team acted on three lease renewals for high-value hangars that commercial carriers, flight schools and private jet operators use. As the terminal redevelopment progressed, we also advised on wider infrastructure across the estate – including commercial agreements for the design, supply, installation and testing of a new baggage reclaim system delivering six new carousels.
Balancing commercial interests
LBA is home to a huge variety of businesses and brands – from Swissport to Starbucks, global airlines to private aviation hangars – each operating under distinct commercial arrangements, including turnover rents, bespoke provisions and clauses allowing for round-the-clock use. This presented a complex legal and commercial environment. We needed to progress contractual negotiations swiftly, all while ensuring seamless operations continued without disruption.
Key lease arrangements were developed in close collaboration with Jet2, the airport’s primary commercial carrier. LBA had the land and the infrastructure. Jet2 brought the planes and the passengers. Recognising this mutually dependent relationship, both parties worked constructively together to ensure the agreements supported shared commercial objectives and long‑term success.
While we were finding common ground between airlines and airport, we were separately also uncovering issues below ground relating to drainage for the newly extended terminal. Under increasing time pressure, we engaged with Leeds City Council and Bradford Metropolitan District Council, who owned the adjoining land, to put new easements in place.
The groundwork for growth
We have now given advice to Leeds Bradford Airport for real estate, construction and commercial matters that span the airport’s multi-million-pound regeneration programme – across runways and car parks, security barriers and aircraft stands.
As a result, the airport now has updated commercial lease arrangements with multi-flight partners, alongside strengthened infrastructure terms and land rights aligned with the operational realities of a busy 24/7 airport. Crucially, these negotiations were completed while the airport remained fully operational during the redevelopment works.
As part of LBA’s Vision 2030 programme, this work is shaping the future of a world-class airport for Yorkshire, positioning it for future investment and growth.
Projects completed to date:
- Baggage handling system for new international baggage reclaim hall
- Design and construction of new aircraft stands
- Mechanical and electrical installations, upgrades and replacements
- Extensions to existing and new car parks
- Hangar lease renewals
- Jet2 operational premises
£100m
terminal regeneration programme
9,500
sqm terminal extension
77%
more baggage reclaim capacity
£1 billion
boost to the local economy
