Luton Rising Chair honoured by University of Bedfordshire degree
Paul Kehoe, who chairs the company which owns Luton Airport, is hoping to enhance their partnership
Last updated 24th Jul 2025
The Chair of Luton Rising and former CEO of Luton Airport has been recognised by the University of Bedfordshire for his contributions to the aviation industry and to the Luton community.
Paul Kehoe, who is this week receiving an honorary degree, is hoping the relationship between the education institution and the airport can be further enhanced.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he said he was “absolutely delighted” to receive the honour.
Mr Kehoe led London Luton Airport as Chief Executive from 2001 to 2005 and has remained active in the region through his current role at Luton Rising, the Luton Borough Council-owned company that owns the airport.
Reflecting on the significance of partnership between local institutions, Mr Kehoe said: "Working together is going to make a difference. In the past, I think we all worked in our own little islands, our little spaces. Now we recognise by working together as an education establishment, and in our case as the owner of an airport with money to fund activities in the town, that we can change people’s lives for the better."
He added: "The mission that we have at Luton Rising is to work with Luton Borough Council, the university, the airport and all the players in town who are absolutely committed to making Luton a better place to live and work."
The recognition comes as Luton Airport awaits the outcome of a judicial review related to its Development Consent Order (DCO), which would enable its next stage of expansion.
Mr Kehoe emphasised the airport’s role in the region’s economic connectivity.
He said: "Luton is the 5th largest airport in the UK and it’s this area and Bedfordshire’s link to the world.
"There are passengers who fly in and out, mainly to European destinations, but that airport is acting as a sort of geographic economic hub to the world."
Workforce will increasingly be needed across the region to support its ongoing infrastructure project.
Graduates from the University of Bedfordshire, along with other local institutions, constitute ideal candidates.
Mr Kehoe added: "If they can educate here and get the graduates to stay here post-graduation is an important thing.
"Luton now and Bedfordshire are going to be in what’s called the Golden Triangle. That’s because you’ve got London at the base and then the Cambridge to Oxford corridor, and in the centre of that is this place called Luton, Bedfordshire."