Leeds Bradford Airport launch new 'Together for Tomorrow' sustainability initiative

The ‘Together for Tomorrow’ initiative is designed to guide the airport’s evolution into a modern, responsible, and future-ready gateway for Yorkshire, and marks a pivotal moment for Leeds Bradford Airport and a fundamental shift in how the airport defines success.

It comes as LBA has embarked on LBA:REGEN, its most transformative period in decades including a fundamental transformation and extension of the terminal building and £200m of private investment in the region.

The new strategy formalises a holistic approach to being a responsible business, a supportive employer, and a good neighbour while leading the region’s transition to low-carbon aviation.

Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer of Leeds Bradford Airport, said “At Leeds Bradford Airport, we believe that the freedom to travel and the necessity of protecting our planet are not mutually exclusive. We are not just building a bigger airport; we are building a better one.

“Together for Tomorrow is more than a set of targets. It represents a fundamental shift in how we define success, placing sustainability at the heart of our decisions and long-term ambitions. It is our promise that as we deliver the international connectivity Yorkshire deserves, we do so with a clear conscience and a dedicated focus on the long-term well-being of our planet and our people.”

The launch comes a month after LBA announced it had submitted a new CLEUD (Certificate of Lawful Existing Use or Development) application last month, which seeks to establish the lawfulness of take-offs and landings at the airport at night by certain types of aircraft.

Climate campaigners The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) later spoke out against the latest planning application, branding attempts to increase night time flying as “irresponsible.”

Leeds Bradford Airport’s ‘Together for Tomorrow’ sustainability project will be built upon four key pillars, each featuring specific targets and measurable actions.

Destination Net Zero

• LBA is committed to reaching Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Key actions include removing all gas from the terminal and generating energy through onsite renewable technologies.
• The airport is also part of a consortium leading a £1.5 million government-backed study into Power-to-Liquid Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Protecting Yorkshire

• The airport is aiming for 10% of passengers to use public transport to and from the site and has introduced 100% Hybrid FLYER bus services.
• LBA has also partnered with the Aire Resilience Company to enhance regional biodiversity and continues to divert 100% of its waste from landfill.

Connecting Communities

• LBA will ensure at least 35% of its annual spend remains within local postcodes and has committed to creating a foundation to support local charitable causes.

Putting People First

• The strategy champions diversity, equity, and wellbeing, with a target of 10% of employees utilising annual volunteer time by 2030.
• LBA is also implementing a specialised Mental Health Programme with trained first aiders to support its workforce.