Lord John Hutton Appointed as Chair of London Luton Airport Board to Lead Development Plans

(IN SHORT) London Luton Airport (LLA) has appointed Lord John Hutton as the new Chair of the Board, a key move as the airport enters a pivotal phase of growth. LLA is set to increase its annual passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million, and Lord Hutton will play a crucial role in supporting this expansion. With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, Lord Hutton’s leadership will help drive LLA’s public-private partnership with Luton Rising, Aena, and InfraBridge. The airport has already experienced rapid growth and remains committed to contributing to local community initiatives and delivering long-term value.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 2025-May-9 — /Travel PR News/ — London Luton Airport (LLA) has appointed Lord John Hutton as the new Chair of the Board, overseeing the next phase of the airport’s expansion and continued development. As the UK’s fifth-largest airport, LLA is managed by Aena, the world’s leading airport operator, in collaboration with InfraBridge, a prominent infrastructure investment firm. The airport is owned by Luton Rising, a company formed by Luton Council to benefit the local community.

Lord Hutton’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the airport following the recent approval by the UK Transport Secretary to increase LLA’s annual passenger capacity from 19 million to 32 million over the next 18 years. In his new role, Lord Hutton will be instrumental in furthering the successful public-private partnership between Luton Rising and the airport’s operators, Aena and InfraBridge, to ensure the full potential of this expansion is realized.

Since 2013, LLA has experienced rapid growth, with passenger numbers rising from 10 million in 2013 to approximately 18 million today. During this period, the airport has contributed over £0.5 billion in concession fees to Luton Council, funding important local community initiatives and council services.

Lord Hutton brings a wealth of experience, having served as Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness for 18 years. He held key positions in both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s Cabinets, including Secretary of State for Defence, Business, and Work and Pensions. His extensive political career also included chairing the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission and leading initiatives aimed at enhancing UK business competitiveness. Since leaving frontline politics, Lord Hutton has chaired various trade associations, including Make UK and Energy UK, and currently serves as the Chair of the Association of Infrastructure Investors in Public-Private Partnerships.

Commenting on his new role, Lord Hutton said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed Chair of LLA, which plays a vital role in national and local transportation. I look forward to working closely with the airport, Luton Rising, Luton Council, and our partners to support the next stage of the airport’s development and ensure the shared ambitions for Luton are realized.”

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer of LLA, welcomed Lord Hutton’s appointment, stating: “Lord Hutton’s vast experience and expertise make him a valuable addition to the Board. His leadership will be crucial as we move forward with the expansion plans, and we are excited to continue delivering exceptional outcomes for our passengers and the community.”

Rodrigo Marabini Ruiz, Director of International Subsidiaries at Aena, also expressed his support: “LLA’s expansion is vital for the local and national economy. Aena is committed to helping bring these plans to fruition, and we are pleased to welcome Lord Hutton’s guidance on this important project.”

Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, added: “We are excited to work with Lord Hutton as we continue to develop LLA into a world-class airport. His experience in both the public and private sectors will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of the airport and the UK’s infrastructure investment.”

Contact Details:
London Luton Airport – PR agency:
E: LLA@tinmancomms.com

London Luton Airport Press Office
T: 01582 395333
E: pressoffice@ltn.aero

SOURCE: London Luton Airport Operations Limited