North Star were recruited by a major European international airport to investigate possible options for a rapid direct rail link from the airport to the city centre. Such links had been identified as a ‘key success factor’ for European airports, especially those entering a period of significant growth, with associated infrastructure investment.
North Star produced an innovative proposal following an assessment of the practicality and economic viability of providing an express direct rail access. The proposal involved bringing into service a pair of little-used freight lines running parallel to the main line.
Our consultant then worked with a major consultancy to prepare a series of business cases, which have been reviewed and accepted by the airport owner’s Board of Executives. North Star is continuing to provide support in devising a plan to take this project forward, navigating the planning and legal requirements and proposing approaches for governance and stakeholder management.
The Client is now aware that there is a possibility of achieving their overall objective, which fits with their long-term plans to develop their facility – effectively a ‘licence to expand’.
