AN MP is seeking assurances from the new owners of Leeds Bradford Airport about its future as an economic hub.

The airport was bought last week by Australian investment firm AMP Capital. Now Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel has written to the new owners.

In a letter to Simon Ellis, Head of Origination, Europe, Mr Sobel seeks assurances that the planned infrastructure improvements to the airport- the airport link road and the Park and Ride rail link, as well as improvements to the terminal building and an extended taxi way - are still going ahead. He emphasises the importance of the development of an economic hub, which could create up to 5500 new jobs.

Mr Sobel also called for improved terms and conditions for staff, particularly for those recently brought in-house, and for the £3 drop off charge to be reduced or scrapped.

The MP said: "I would like to welcome the new owners of Leeds Bradford Airport to our area and would like to pass on my congratulations to them for the acquisition. The airport is in the midst of a great change and it is hugely important to our local economy that we get this right. The £3 drop off charge has made getting to the airport more difficult and has added an extra cost for passengers who travel to and from our airport.

"It is paramount that the development of a new economic hub continues as it will be transformative, bringing many jobs and investment to our area. The airport is in dire need of new infrastructure to facilitate its continued growth and I look forward to working with the new owners to ensure that this happens."

It was announced last week that the airport had been sold to the Sydney-based investment fund.

AMP, which already has a 49 per cent stake in Newcastle Airport, is buying LBA from Bridgepoint Advisers Limited on behalf of investors in its global infrastructure equity platform.

Phil Forster, from Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "We look forward to working with our new owners, who are committed to working closely with local stakeholders, to continue improving services and infrastructure at Leeds Bradford Airport."