London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration, positioning LLA as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking airports in the adoption of next-generation AI technologies.

Research, pilots and innovations to enhance LLA’s passenger experience, streamline operations, and unlock new efficiencies across the airport will be led by Luton AI – the University’s civic AI organisation. Most notably, the collaboration opens the airport as a real-world innovation testbed, enabling students and researchers to apply their skills to live operational challenges that can have real impact on travellers and airport operations.

Key areas of focus will include customer insight, passenger flow optimisation, predictive operations, automation, and AI-enabled decision support – delivering measurable benefits for passengers, staff, and the wider airport ecosystem. By combining LLA’s ambition with the University’s expertise in AI, data science, and digital transformation, the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to responsible, strategic, and ethical AI adoption.

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport added: “The MoU is hugely exciting and provides the platform for London Luton Airport to collaborate with the University of Bedfordshire and the next generation of aviation professionals to drive, test and implement game-changing AI responsibly into our airport operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply academic thinking to a live airport environment, underlining our commitment to delivering operational excellence and shaping future careers locally to support the Luton 2040 vision of a healthy and fair town where everyone can thrive.” 

Aligned with the University’s Career-Powered Education approach, the partnership provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience, industry connections, and in-demand skills while contributing to real-world AI solutions in aviation. 

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This partnership with London Luton Airport represents an exciting milestone in applying cutting-edge AI research to real-world challenges. By combining our academic expertise with the airport’s operational ambition, we are creating opportunities for students and researchers to develop practical skills, drive innovation, and deliver benefits for passengers and the wider community. Together, we are demonstrating how responsible and ethical AI can transform industries while fostering a thriving hub for technology and talent right here in Luton.”

With LLA situated just 2.5km from the University’s Luton campus, the partnership also strengthens the region’s position as a fast-growing hub for AI and emerging technologies. 

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About London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, operated by a consortium, of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator, and InfraBridge, a leading infrastructure investment manager. Airlines include Jet2, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.

The airport is owned for community benefit by Luton Rising, a company wholly-owned by Luton Council, which has invested more than £500m in front-line, voluntary and charitable services since 1998.

The Luton Airport Express is a new dedicated train service that allows passengers to travel from central London to the LLA terminal in around 30 minutes. The Luton Airport Express runs from St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway station and connects seamlessly with the DART, an electrically powered people mover that connects to the airport terminal in less than four minutes.

In 2024, LLA was named European Airport of the Year (10-25 million passengers) by ACI EUROPE, and in 2025 LLA received the highest possible rating of 'Very Good' in the annual Airport Accessibility report published by the CAA, assessing assisted travel service performance.

In 2023, LLA also achieved Level 4 of the globally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, demonstrating that it is ‘transforming its operations to achieve carbon reductions in line with global climate goals’. With a maximum score of 100 and a five-star rating, LLA has been ranked as a sector leader for four consecutive years in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) benchmark of sustainability governance management and performance of major infrastructure assets worldwide.

LLA continues to be a major employer and a key economic driver in Bedfordshire — supporting 28,000 jobs and contributing £830 million per year to the local economy. In 2024, LLA spent 60% of its supply chain costs with more than 300 businesses within a 25-mile radius of the airport, totalling £110 million.

Contact Details:

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

URL: https://mediahub.london-luton.co.uk/news/11122025/lla-and-university-of-beds-sign-ai-partnership