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Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is an international airport in Liverpool, England, on the estuary of the River Mersey. The airport was originally called Speke Airport and was renamed after John Lennon in 2001. As of 2024, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 47% owned by Peel, 47% by investment manager Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council. The airport has a wide range of flights to destinations within the United Kingdom, Ireland, North Africa, the Middle East, and mainland Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1933 |
| Location | 6.5-7 nautical miles south-east of Liverpool City Centre |
| Former names | Speke Airport, Liverpool (Speke) Airport |
| Renamed after | John Lennon |
| Year renamed | 2001 or 2002 |
| Current owner | Peel Group |
| Previous owners | British Aerospace, Vancouver Airport Services |
| Number of runways | 1 |
| Number of terminals | 1 |
| Number of hangars | 3 |
| Number of employees | 130 |
| Airlines operating from the airport | EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Eastern Airlines, Flybe, KLM |
| Number of passengers in 2023 | 4.19 million |
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What You'll Learn
Liverpool John Lennon Airport's ownership history
Liverpool John Lennon Airport, originally called Speke Airport, was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In the mid-1970s, control of the airport was transferred to Merseyside County Council from Liverpool Corporation. Ten years later, it was transferred again to the five Merseyside councils following the abolition of Merseyside County Council.
In 1986, a modern passenger terminal was opened, and the original 1930s building was left derelict until it was converted into a hotel in 2001. The airport was renamed in 2001 after Liverpudlian musician John Lennon of The Beatles.
In 2007, Flyglobespan commenced Liverpool Airport's first transatlantic air service to Hamilton, 50 miles from Toronto, and New York City. However, due to issues such as technical problems, lengthy delays, and low passenger numbers, the flights were discontinued in October 2007.
In June 2010, Vancouver Airport Services announced that it had acquired a 65% share in Liverpool Airport from The Peel Group. As of 2024, the airport is 47% owned by Peel, 47% by investment manager Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council.
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The Peel Group's involvement
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is one of the UK's longest-serving airports, having been officially opened on July 1, 1933. The Peel Group, a leading infrastructure, transport, and real estate investment company in the UK, first became involved with the airport in 1997 and has since made significant investments in the business.
Passenger numbers have increased almost tenfold since the mid-1990s, with the airport moving from the 20th to the 12th busiest airport in the UK. LJLA is a significant driver of prosperity in the region and the North West and North Wales as a whole, bringing an estimated £440 million per annum in GVA and supporting 12,000 jobs across the Northern Powerhouse region.
In 2007, construction began on a multi-level car park and a Hampton by Hilton hotel, which opened in October 2009. In June 2010, Vancouver Airport Services announced it had reached an agreement with The Peel Group to acquire a 65% share in its airports, including Liverpool. Airside improvements included additional retail units and a more advanced security area to reduce waiting times, completed in autumn 2010.
In March 2016, Liverpool City Council acquired a stake in the airport in the form of shares, with the investment used to improve facilities for passengers and airlines and maximise the opportunity for the airport and city region to be a key gateway for the Northern Powerhouse.
As of 2024, the airport is 47% owned by Peel, 47% by investment manager Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council. Possible future developments include a £100 million investment in airport infrastructure, including a runway extension to enable transatlantic/long-haul flights, a new cargo area, a new taxiway, terminal expansion, hotel/parking expansion, and improved public transport connections.
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Vancouver Airport Services' acquisition
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA), one of the UK's longest-serving airports, officially opened on July 1, 1933. The airport, which is located about 7 miles southeast of Liverpool City Centre, was originally called Speke Airport and was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In 2001, the airport was renamed after John Lennon, the Liverpudlian musician and former Beatle.
In 2010, Vancouver Airport Services (renamed Vantage Airport Group) acquired a 65% share in Liverpool John Lennon Airport from The Peel Group. This acquisition marked a significant change in the ownership structure of the airport, which had previously been wholly owned by Peel Holdings. The deal was valued at £12 million and included plans for airside improvements such as additional retail units and enhanced security areas.
The new part-owners, Vancouver Airport Services, expressed a willingness to expand services from Liverpool, despite the airport's historical lack of profitability. Following the acquisition, Craig Richmond, the former operations director for Vancouver Airport, took over as managing director of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
In 2013, Matthew Thomas, also from Vancouver Airport Services, was appointed to the role. Under the management of Vancouver Airport Services, the airport continued to focus on improving the passenger experience and enhancing customer engagement. In 2014, Liverpool City Council acquired a stake in the airport, investing in further improvements to passenger and airline facilities.
In 2016, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was ranked as the 12th busiest airport in the UK, handling over 4.8 million passengers annually and offering flights to more than 60 destinations. The airport has also become a significant driver of prosperity in the region, contributing an estimated £440 million per annum in GVA and supporting thousands of jobs.
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Ancala Partners' investment
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is one of the UK's longest-serving airports, having been in operation since 1933. The airport is currently owned by three entities: Peel owns 47%, investment manager Ancala Partners owns 47%, and Liverpool City Council owns 6%.
Ancala Partners is an investment manager that acquired a 47% stake in Liverpool John Lennon Airport in 2024. The company specialises in infrastructure investments and has a strong focus on the transportation sector. Ancala Partners' investment in the airport demonstrates its commitment to the sector and its confidence in the potential of LJLA.
The investment by Ancala Partners is significant for Liverpool John Lennon Airport, as it provides the necessary capital for future developments and improvements. As part of the investment, there are plans to invest up to £100 million in airport infrastructure. This includes a potential runway extension to enable transatlantic and long-haul flights, a new cargo area, a new taxiway, terminal expansion, improved public transport connections, and the development of a nature reserve on the coastal perimeter of the Oglet Shore.
The investment by Ancala Partners is expected to bring numerous benefits to the airport and the region. By expanding the airport's capabilities and improving passenger facilities, LJLA can attract more airlines and increase its flight offerings. This will not only enhance the airport's reputation and competitiveness but also boost the local economy, attract inward investment, and support job creation in the region.
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Liverpool City Council's stake
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP), formerly known as Liverpool (Speke) Airport, is an international airport serving Liverpool, England. It is located on the estuary of the River Mersey, approximately 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre. The airport has a long history, dating back to its establishment in 1933.
In terms of ownership, Liverpool City Council currently holds a 6% stake in Liverpool John Lennon Airport as of 2024. This stake was acquired in March 2016 through the purchase of shares. The council's investment aims to improve facilities for passengers and airlines and to maximise the airport's potential as a key gateway for the Northern Powerhouse region.
The airport has changed hands several times over the years. Initially, it was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In 1990, the airport was privatised, with British Aerospace acquiring a 76% shareholding. Subsequently, it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peel Holdings, also known as The Peel Group, a leading infrastructure, transport, and real estate investment company in the UK.
In 2010, Peel Holdings sold a significant portion of its stake, amounting to 60% or 65% (according to different sources), to Vancouver Airport Services, which later became Vantage Airport Group. This sale signified a willingness to expand services from Liverpool, despite the airport never having turned a profit in its history.
However, in 2014, Peel Holdings repurchased the stake it had previously sold, regaining 100% ownership of the airport. As of 2024, the current ownership structure stands at 47% owned by Peel Holdings, 47% by investment manager Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council.
The airport has undergone various developments and improvements over the years, including the addition of new routes and airlines, enhancements to passenger facilities, and infrastructure expansion plans. It is also one of the area's major employers, attracting inward investment and boosting the region's economy.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 47% owned by Peel, 47% by investment manager Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council.
In 2010, Peel sold a 65% share in the airport to Vancouver Airport Services. In 2014, Peel repurchased the 65% stake, giving it 100% ownership once more.
Some key figures in the airport's management history include Chris Preece, Rod Rufus, Rod Hill, Neil Pakey, Craig Richmond, Matthew Thomas, Andrew Cornish, and John Irving.
