Chopper69 you are not provocative, no where near as important.
The whole concept of London Luton Airport started in the early 90s. It was clear we were not a 'regional' airport as were not in a region other than London. A survey of travel agents in north London and the northern home counties showed they would always sell Gatwick as a departure point. Luton was 'up the M1 somewhere' and Stansted 'out in the sticks'. So London Luton Airport was born and a huge campaign started to convince travel agents to sell Luton. We were more holiday then than schedule service.
And it worked too. We even won an award for the best re-branding of the time. A considerable amount has changed in 20 years.
Sorry you support Essex Regional Airport, I think that is the pits too. If I want to go for a long walk I do it in the countryside, not round a terminal building.