March 2015
London Luton Airport has appointed North Star Consultancy to help transform rail service links from the Airport to London and the East Midlands as part of a £100m redevelopment of the Airport, including improved surface access.
The development plan will see air passenger numbers grow by 80% over the next decade, and improved rail access will be vital in facilitating this growth. This will be achieved through a range of measures, which will include raising awareness of the competitive journey times and the development of a more seamless passenger experience in partnership with Govia Thameslink, the future East Midlands Trains franchisee and the Department for Transport.
Richard Brown, Managing Director of North Star said: “Among London’s four major airports, London Luton has a competitive travel time to central London by rail, yet the perception amongst the travelling public is very different. Our job is not only to help change that by ensuring that best practice in rail-air links are delivered in the short term, but also look to the long term. The next East Midlands trains franchise is an obvious opportunity to further improve connectivity, not just to London but to and from the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. We will aim to get millions of people to vote with their feet and hop on the regular fast train to London, which takes less than 20 minutes non-stop.”
Clive Condie, Executive Chairman of London Luton Airport said: “Today it is already possible to reach central London in 19 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway by train. It’s our vision to build on this to create a world-class air-rail facility that delivers the speed, frequency and simplicity international travellers require. Our work with North Star will be a key step in helping London Luton to take its place as a leading UK airport connecting London and the surrounding regions with a growing number of destinations across Europe and beyond.”
