SSP secures 10-year contract with Liverpool John Lennon Airport
The initial phase of the development includes a high-end eatery called Sable and Co Bar and Kitchen, which is scheduled to open in the spring
SSP Group has secured a new deal with Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which will see the operator of travel F&B outlets extend its operations at the airport until at least 2036.
As part of the contract extension, SSP has announced that all of its existing units will be refurbished, rebranded or extended, Additional outlets will also be created, increasing the capacity of SSP’s restaurants by nearly half.
The initial phase of the development includes a high-end eatery called Sable and Co Bar and Kitchen, which will be located on the mezzanine level and is scheduled to open in the spring.
The next phase will include the refurbishment of an existing Upper Crust and a Starbucks coffee shop, while SSP will also create a modern American-style diner offering an all-day menu.
As part of this phase, the Kissing Gate pub will be extended to provide “a lively place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat before a flight”.
According to the group, the whole transformation programme will result in many job opportunities.
The new venture will be part of the airport’s plans to meet the requirements of increasing passenger numbers. This includes the arrival of new airline Jet2, which will operate up to 54 flights a week to 20 destinations across six countries later this year.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s passenger numbers grew by 20% in 2023 and are expected to return to pre-Covid levels of 5 million per year in 2024.
Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK&I, said: “This development is testament to the high standard of our offer over the time we’ve been operating at Liverpool John Lennon. We’ve built strong relationships with the team here, and we’re delighted to be working closely with them now to make the F&B offer at this great UK airport even better.
“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming passengers at our fabulous new bars, restaurants and cafes.”
Lucy O’Shaughnessy, commercial director at LJLA, added: “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with SSP which has been key to the airport offering a great airport experience for our passengers.
“This investment will give the growing numbers of passengers choosing to fly from the region’s faster, easier, friendlier airport a wider choice of food and beverage facilities and some really exciting new developments that we’re sure will prove popular with our passengers.”
