London Luton Airport (LLA) has shifted its focus away from managing passenger traffic, which is nearing zero, and onto supporting the surrounding community and making use of its facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Currently, the main functions of the airport are repatriation, medical and military flights, and cargo flights, particularly those which are delivering vital supplies, such as medical equipment.
Almost 70% of the airport's workforce is no longer involved in day-to-day operations and, while a skeleton staff is required to continue essential operations, some of the airport's medically trained firefighters will be redeployed to the East of England Ambulance Service. Additionally, the airport has created an online volunteer hub with a target of providing at least 100 volunteers across 18 local charities and organisations, including Achieving Together, a provider of support for people with learning disabilities and autism.
LLA has offered its large, accessible site and equipment to central government, local authorities and health services to use, including offering the airport's car parks for coronavirus testing facilities if required.
The airport's restaurants are working to donate food items to local homeless charities.
Alberto Martin, LLA CEO, said: ?The desire from our teams and partners to support those in greatest need during these extraordinary times fills me with admiration for our people and wider airport community. With their backing and the support of our shareholders, we will do all we can to support both our local community, and the wider national effort in tackling the pandemic.?
