London Luton Airport (LLA) has contributed over £370,000 (US$523,000) to 121 groups in the local community over the last five years.
The donations were made through the airport’s Community Trust Fund, which provides grants of up to £7,500 (US$10,600) to local charities and non-profit organizations.
The Community Trust Fund is just one highlight from LLA’s annual Community Engagement Report, which marks the culmination of a five-year strategy focused on three areas: building sustainable communities, contributing to economic growth, and protecting the environment.
Building sustainable communities
In addition to funds contributed through the Community Trust Fund, staff at LLA helped raise more than £115,000 (US$162,000) for Keech Hospice Care, LLA’s 2016/17 charity partner.
Staff took part in a range of activities including a sponsored cycle to Amsterdam and the airport’s first ever ‘runway run’ to raise more than double the initial target of £50,000 (US$70,000).
LLA recently announced that Macmillan Cancer Support has been chosen as the airport’s new charity partner following a competitive public vote.
Contributing to economic growth
Supporting local young people is central to the airport’s community strategy. LLA’s ‘Get into Airports’ scheme, run in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, helps young people develop CV skills and gain work experience in a variety of roles at LLA. Since the program began in 2011, 83% of the 161 local young people who have taken part have secured full-time employment.
Protecting the environment
During 2017, the airport saved approximately 531 times the average household energy consumption. This was achieved through a number of initiatives including the replacement of air handling unit fans which will save 1,300,000kWh of electricity annually. An LED lighting replacement program on the airfield, and in the terminal, has also saved approximately 560,000kWh.
Nick Barton, CEO of LLA, said, “As the airport transforms and continues to grow we want to make sure the local community also feels the benefits of being home to a successful airport. As our most recent Community Engagement Report shows, local residents and businesses are central to our success, and we are always looking for new ways to give back.
“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past five years and it is fitting that we embark on a new strategy as we enter our 80th year. I look forward to LLA playing a valuable role in the community for many more years to come.”