“Covid-safe” vending machines will be installed at Leeds Bradford Airport for passengers to buy food, drink and PPE.
Harrogate-based Livewell Vending Ltd is behind the “VendSafe” stations that sell snacks and drinks as well as face coverings and antibacterial spray.
Flights have now resumed at the airport but many airlines have suspended the sale of food and drink on flights to reduce in-flight contact points, and not all cafes at LBA have reopened.
Instead, there are three of the contactless stations available for passengers inside the airport.
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Livewell says products are stored in hygienic, temperature-controlled units behind glass screens. There are also hand sanitiser dispensers fixed to the front of each station for passengers to use.
The managing director of Livewell Vending, Aaron Prout, said:
“As a Harrogate-based business, we are delighted to provide automated vending services to passengers and staff at LBA. With the latest low-touch interface and contactless payments, these self-serve VendSafe stations are a great way to provide refreshments safely. We hope it’ll be a reassuring service to those travelling again.”
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford Airport added:
New bus service from Harrogate to Leeds Bradford Airport“The resumption of flights is well and truly underway at Leeds Bradford Airport and we’re delighted to introduce Livewell contactless vending machines as part of our adjusted operations.
“Passengers can continue to use the airport safely, with access to refreshments, face coverings and hand gel. We see investments like this as important additions to the airport and thank Livewell for providing a timely solution.”
A new bus service will set off from Harrogate to Leeds Bradford Airport from the end of this month.
The ‘Flyer’ bus from Transdev will replace the current 747 ‘Flying Tiger’ service from August 30.
An airport return ticket, valid for 28 days, will cost £8 for a single adult and it will cost £15 for a group. A 7-day ticket costs £24 and a 28-day ticket costs £77.
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People working at the airport will be able to get a 50% discount on their single, return tickets and weekly tickets for £10.
The Harrogate route will set off on an hourly basis from Harrogate bus station and will take roughly 30 minutes to get to the airport.
It will start at 5.45am from the bus station on weekdays. The last service from the airport sets off at 9.12pm.
Leeds Bradford Airport prepares to cut more than 100 jobsMore than 100 temporary and zero-hour jobs are under consultation at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) had managed to keep many of its staff on full pay during lockdown through the furlough scheme.
The majority of the 102 jobs under threat are seasonal roles. The airport brings in that workforce for the busy summer period.
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The airport believes that the aviation industry will recover in the long term but the “short term impact” has meant difficult decisions.
A spokesperson for LBA said:
“We are deeply saddened to be consulting with colleagues as a result of the impact of the global pandemic. We, like many other sectors, are operating in challenging circumstances and this has led to some difficult decisions.”
LBA will still push ahead with its terminal replacement proposals. It says the plans are “well placed” to boost its recovery and the wider economy.