Liverpool Airport has always suffered in the past because many of the business community in Merseyside live at the farest parts of the county from the airport, that is around Formby and on the Wirral.
Manchester Airport was nearly as easy to get to as Liverpool. For many passengers this remains the case, especially for those on the Wirral.
Thankfully the Knowsley Expressway has made the airport much easier to get to for many people. The opening of the South Liverpool Parkway station later this year should encourage more people to use Merseyrail to get to the airport.
Many people who live nearer Liverpool Airport are still forced to use Manchester, as LJL is not connected to the world. Should Liverpool get services from any full service carriers these people could then use their local airport.
It will be important, though, for Liverpool Airport to ensure that passengers can add to the few minutes saved in travelling. Currently VLM customers can park near the terminal, check in quickly and are fast tracked through security. These facilities would need to be offered to all full fare passengers.