News

London Luton Airport (LLA) is embarking on an ambitious transformation project. The £100m development will include a complete overhaul of the terminal building and see passenger figures rise by 50% reaching 18 million by 2020.

North Star’s brief is to increase the number of passengers reaching LLA by rail from London and the East Midlands by 2026 and provide support in the areas of operations, marketing and customer service.

Nick Barton, CEO of London Luton Airport said: “Today it is already possible to reach central London in 19 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway by train. Our vision is 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 is helping ensure that improvements in surface access move in step with the £100 million redevelopment that is transforming the Airport.”

The key objectives are:

Read more: North Star supports improvements in rail access for London Luton Airport

North Star Consultancy has released its annual review of the global air-rail market share for air-rail operators for 2014. The report shows a surge in market share, which is driven by targeted investment in marketing and competitive awareness by participating operators. The graph below demonstrates this trend (click for larger version). 

For the first time, the report had a specific focus on digital presence and marketing in the 2014 review year and the effect this has on market share.

Jamie Burles, Managing Director of Abellio Greater Anglia (operator of Stansted Express) said: “We have been contributing to this report for several years now and it's proved to be very valuable. It allows us to benchmark Stansted Express against other global Air-Rail operators' market share and key competitor information. Furthermore, it allows us to share best practice and the results of our marketing campaigns and other online and offline marketing activities”.

Read more: Annual report shows surge in air-rail market share

North Star welcomes three new consultants to the team. Ben Harding joins us from Atkins with a lifetime of operations and customer focussed experience, Dare Faleye enhances our capabilities in the data science arena and Leanne Wheeler brings excellent experience of customer service and communications, with added experience in rail franchise bidding.

Read more: Hello to new faces! North Star expands its talent base

On Monday 6th July 2015, North Star hosted a gathering on the roof terrace of our new office in Farringdon. Against the backdrop of London's iconic Shard and St. Paul's Cathedral, we introduced a mix of local customers to our three new consultants and celebrated the opening of our new office base.

Read more: Welcoming our new starters and celebrating our new base in Farringdon