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'Promising' steps taken towards a rail link between station and terminal at Luton Airport | Luton on Sunday
A RAIL link between Luton Airport Parkway and the terminal building is looking 'promising', according to a spokesman for Luton-based airline easyJet.
Neil Slaven, Commercial Manager at easyJet spoke about a plan to create the link as a medium term plan between the airline and its home base at Luton.
Mr Slaven said: "There is definitely possibility of a mass transit rail link between the station and the terminal.
"I don't have any concrete details yet and the final say is out of our hands but the indications on progress we have been given are very promising.
"I feel this development would push Luton into the top tier for London Airports."
The plan was first mentioned in July as part of an expansion at the airport which would see annual passenger capacity jump from 12 million to 18m, with EasyJet keen to help.
Mr Slaven added: "Our growth at Luton is higher than most of our other airports.
"We're working very closely with Luton Airport to try and improve passenger experience at the airport and this would just be another step."
A spokeswoman for Luton Airport said: "We are examining all possible solutions to create a permanent fixed link between Luton Airport Parkway and the Terminal building.
"This work is ongoing alongside our activity to increase the number of fast train services from central London to Luton Airport Parkway from one to four.
"These developments will create a world-class rail link to the airport making it more accessible for the increasing numbers of passengers who are choosing to travel with us."
Read more: 'Promising' steps taken towards a rail link between station and terminal at Luton Airport | Luton on Sunday
The location of any potential station has been mentioned before. My bet would be the easyjet HQ but just look at those supersized pavements that will surround the bus station. I still can't grasp why the paved area is so big. Forward planning for the location of a Gatwick style monorail?
A RAIL link between Luton Airport Parkway and the terminal building is looking 'promising', according to a spokesman for Luton-based airline easyJet.
Neil Slaven, Commercial Manager at easyJet spoke about a plan to create the link as a medium term plan between the airline and its home base at Luton.
Mr Slaven said: "There is definitely possibility of a mass transit rail link between the station and the terminal.
"I don't have any concrete details yet and the final say is out of our hands but the indications on progress we have been given are very promising.
"I feel this development would push Luton into the top tier for London Airports."
The plan was first mentioned in July as part of an expansion at the airport which would see annual passenger capacity jump from 12 million to 18m, with EasyJet keen to help.
Mr Slaven added: "Our growth at Luton is higher than most of our other airports.
"We're working very closely with Luton Airport to try and improve passenger experience at the airport and this would just be another step."
A spokeswoman for Luton Airport said: "We are examining all possible solutions to create a permanent fixed link between Luton Airport Parkway and the Terminal building.
"This work is ongoing alongside our activity to increase the number of fast train services from central London to Luton Airport Parkway from one to four.
"These developments will create a world-class rail link to the airport making it more accessible for the increasing numbers of passengers who are choosing to travel with us."
Read more: 'Promising' steps taken towards a rail link between station and terminal at Luton Airport | Luton on Sunday
The location of any potential station has been mentioned before. My bet would be the easyjet HQ but just look at those supersized pavements that will surround the bus station. I still can't grasp why the paved area is so big. Forward planning for the location of a Gatwick style monorail?
Last edited by LTNman; 22nd Nov 2015 at 19:14.
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That's a very positive statement from easyJet - positive in a number of ways because not only does it emphasise the real chances of a proper rail link but it also underlines the airlines long term commitment to its home base.
It's interesting that easyJet seem to be so involved - perhaps they could part fund or at least sponsor any rail link?
I still can't get my head around quite how the rail link would make its way into the airport given the topography between airport and station but clearly there is a way which presumably will involve more tunnelling under the taxiway?
Perhaps the arrival point could be easyJet HQ. Hasn't there been all of them potentially relocating in Luton outside the airport? How much do they use the hangar for actual plane maintenance?
I wonder what 'medium term' really means? Still very interesting news that suggests the chances of a rail link actually happening are more likely than ever before
It's interesting that easyJet seem to be so involved - perhaps they could part fund or at least sponsor any rail link?
I still can't get my head around quite how the rail link would make its way into the airport given the topography between airport and station but clearly there is a way which presumably will involve more tunnelling under the taxiway?
Perhaps the arrival point could be easyJet HQ. Hasn't there been all of them potentially relocating in Luton outside the airport? How much do they use the hangar for actual plane maintenance?
I wonder what 'medium term' really means? Still very interesting news that suggests the chances of a rail link actually happening are more likely than ever before
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Wallp
In business terms short term usually relates to the current financial year
Medium 1-3 yrs and long term >5 yrs so I guess 2018 / 2019 is reasonable.
The Easyjet hangar IS used extensively for line maintenance.
A lot now appears to go to Marshalls in Cambridge for Checks.
Who knows what will happen but at least Aena are recognising the importance of the link and upgrading the facility which can only be good news for the future.
In business terms short term usually relates to the current financial year
Medium 1-3 yrs and long term >5 yrs so I guess 2018 / 2019 is reasonable.
The Easyjet hangar IS used extensively for line maintenance.
A lot now appears to go to Marshalls in Cambridge for Checks.
Who knows what will happen but at least Aena are recognising the importance of the link and upgrading the facility which can only be good news for the future.
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If the easyJet hangar is used extensively then perhaps the station will be elsewhere.
If medium term in this case does mean around 2018 they'll need to make a decision soon as I imagine it'll take a good few years to complete construction work given the complexities involved
If medium term in this case does mean around 2018 they'll need to make a decision soon as I imagine it'll take a good few years to complete construction work given the complexities involved
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Don't think they would tunnel but would bridge taxiway Alpha just to the north of the road tunnel with the station being on the site of Easyjet's HQ. If Gatwick is anything to go by it is not really a station so the footprint required is quite narrow.
I also think the other end would be on the Kimpton Road side so they would not have to cross the railway.
The shuttle bus link is truly shocking at the moment with only 1 bendy bus in service. Two others are broken and the fourth one is having new seats fitted. The missing three bendy buses have been replaced with low capacity single decker buses that are often crammed full.
I also think the other end would be on the Kimpton Road side so they would not have to cross the railway.
The shuttle bus link is truly shocking at the moment with only 1 bendy bus in service. Two others are broken and the fourth one is having new seats fitted. The missing three bendy buses have been replaced with low capacity single decker buses that are often crammed full.
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Lets not forget that Easyjet have been looking outside the CTA for a new HQ as they have outgrown the building and now have no parking in the CTA. The story in the Luton News which isn't available online mentions 2018/19 for the new link.
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There is a rumour of a tie-up with Luton Town FC by easyJet. The club has bought land next to M1 Junction 10, not for a new stadium, but create a business park. This in turn would then finance a new ground elsewhere. easyJet rumoured to be a possible tenant.
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Easyjet are more likely to end up here Napier Park and right by Parkway's other entrance and the right side for the new link to the airport.
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LTN rail link
This great, get it done, don't let it become the mother of all sagas like the LHR third rwy fiasco (yawn).
Will it be a dedicated shuttle LTN-Luton Parkway, or will trains continue to other destinations e.g. London, Brighton, etc.?
Don't really know the airport, but the arrival/departure point needs to be as near to the terminal as poss. If spending the money, make it as convenient as possible for pax (especially those with luggage).
Will it be a dedicated shuttle LTN-Luton Parkway, or will trains continue to other destinations e.g. London, Brighton, etc.?
Perhaps the arrival point could be easyJet HQ. Hasn't there been all of them potentially relocating in Luton outside the airport? How much do they use the hangar for actual plane maintenance?
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I really can't see it being a heavy rail link but just a fixed replacement for the shuttle bus using the shortest route possible with rope hauled trains on rubber tyres. http://www.dcc.at/solutions/technology/ With an interchange on the northern edge of easyjets HQ the walk would be around 75m to the new terminal entrance.
As for continued easyjet aircraft maintenance at Luton the jury is still out as to whether Signature will in the long term want to keep Landmarks hangar, which used to belong to Monarch, or even their new hangar by cargo so keeping the Landmark hangar. Worth remembering that Signature has a history of building a hangar and then leasing it out, which is what they did with the hangar Gulfsteam now occupies.
As for continued easyjet aircraft maintenance at Luton the jury is still out as to whether Signature will in the long term want to keep Landmarks hangar, which used to belong to Monarch, or even their new hangar by cargo so keeping the Landmark hangar. Worth remembering that Signature has a history of building a hangar and then leasing it out, which is what they did with the hangar Gulfsteam now occupies.
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I still dont get how the rail link would enter the CTA. Surely there would need to be some tunnelling under the taxi way since presumably there's no chance they could now use the main tunnel entrance which I fully utilised by vehicles?
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I do love to speculate and was thinking that the only option would be an interchange around the orange hangar but no maybe there is another alternative.
How about an interchange that butts up to the multistory car park at around the height of the walkway that crosses the drop off area? It would be on the only pocket of land that isn't used in the CTA. Passengers can then use that walkway to get to the terminal.
The road tunnel under taxiway Alpha involved the cut and cover method where they had to shift the taxiway to build half the tunnel and then shift it again to build the other half of the tunnel. A bridge over Alpha must be a much cheaper option as it is just another section of raised rail.
Anyway here is my theory of two possible routes. I must dig my plan out again if the route is announced in the years to come.
How about an interchange that butts up to the multistory car park at around the height of the walkway that crosses the drop off area? It would be on the only pocket of land that isn't used in the CTA. Passengers can then use that walkway to get to the terminal.
The road tunnel under taxiway Alpha involved the cut and cover method where they had to shift the taxiway to build half the tunnel and then shift it again to build the other half of the tunnel. A bridge over Alpha must be a much cheaper option as it is just another section of raised rail.
Anyway here is my theory of two possible routes. I must dig my plan out again if the route is announced in the years to come.
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As far as I understand there was no mention of a rail link in the airports expansion plans which are now being carried out?
Given the talk is that this rail link could be operational in 3-4 years am surprised it wasn't an integral part of the planning.
I suppose you could bridge the rail link over the taxiway. They could make a decision on what the tallest aircraft are (presumably 737/319 size) to use the taxiway and everything else would route the other way and construct on that basis.
well I guess if this is oink to happen in the 'medium' term, plans will be revealed soon
Given the talk is that this rail link could be operational in 3-4 years am surprised it wasn't an integral part of the planning.
I suppose you could bridge the rail link over the taxiway. They could make a decision on what the tallest aircraft are (presumably 737/319 size) to use the taxiway and everything else would route the other way and construct on that basis.
well I guess if this is oink to happen in the 'medium' term, plans will be revealed soon
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Yep, no mention so it is an afterthought. While 2018/19 has been mentioned that could well be a start date. The bridge would have to have the height and span to allow anything that can get to the apron now to still get there including the new Dreamliners which spends time in TUI's hangar.
The question will be who and how will it be funded. The airport has done well over the years with government funded infrastructure projects but those funds can take years to materialise. I think the Airport Way upgrade was talked about for 10 years before the grants came though.
Worth Googling "Gatwick airport bridge images" as crossing taxiways has been done before.
The question will be who and how will it be funded. The airport has done well over the years with government funded infrastructure projects but those funds can take years to materialise. I think the Airport Way upgrade was talked about for 10 years before the grants came though.
Worth Googling "Gatwick airport bridge images" as crossing taxiways has been done before.
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I thought it very interesting that its easyJet who are being so vocal about it - perhaps they will have some involvement - if not investing in it then being the sponsor? Given Luton is one of their main airports, it wouldn't surprise me to see the train cars painted orange with easyJet destination adverts all over the inside of them
I seem to recall BA once did something similar for the LGW monrail
I seem to recall BA once did something similar for the LGW monrail
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Are you sure people are not confusing this new proposed air-rail link with the Luton-Dunstable Guided Busway?
There has been proposals for the actual busway to be extended up to the airport. This no more than a glorified bus lane, only buses equipped to go along a busway can use it.
Is there room to squeeze a bus lane under the taxiway, even a single lane with traffic lights to control the direction under the taxiway?
There has been proposals for the actual busway to be extended up to the airport. This no more than a glorified bus lane, only buses equipped to go along a busway can use it.
Is there room to squeeze a bus lane under the taxiway, even a single lane with traffic lights to control the direction under the taxiway?
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The link provided earlier is very explicit
'Promising' steps taken towards a rail link between station and terminal at Luton Airport | Luton on Sunday
It's got nothing to do with the busway
As I recall when the tunnel was built, there was an intention to Llewelyn space for a 'rail' link though that has long since disappeared. Perhaps it could be reinstated, although that would limit traffic coming into the CTA?
'Promising' steps taken towards a rail link between station and terminal at Luton Airport | Luton on Sunday
It's got nothing to do with the busway
As I recall when the tunnel was built, there was an intention to Llewelyn space for a 'rail' link though that has long since disappeared. Perhaps it could be reinstated, although that would limit traffic coming into the CTA?
It seems literally unbelievable that anyone is contemplating a bridge over taxiway alpha.
Such a bridge would need to offer clearance over the taxiway of at least 50ft (a 737-800 is over 41 ft high), to say nothing of having a single span wide enough to accommodate wingspan and tolerances.
This is in addition to the climb from the level of the Parkway station. What's more, vehicles/trains/buses using the bridge would have to either descend to a "station", or a high-level station would have to be built in the CTA.
I struggle to understand how a tunnel would be affordable, but it would at least bring passengers to a point from where they could easily access the terminal whereas a bridge would, in my mind, present too many engineering challenges.
Such a bridge would need to offer clearance over the taxiway of at least 50ft (a 737-800 is over 41 ft high), to say nothing of having a single span wide enough to accommodate wingspan and tolerances.
This is in addition to the climb from the level of the Parkway station. What's more, vehicles/trains/buses using the bridge would have to either descend to a "station", or a high-level station would have to be built in the CTA.
I struggle to understand how a tunnel would be affordable, but it would at least bring passengers to a point from where they could easily access the terminal whereas a bridge would, in my mind, present too many engineering challenges.
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I agree the bridging the taxiway seems highly unlikely which means going underneath is the only option unless the plan is to stop the rail link short of the taxiway in which case you'd still need some kind of shuttle bus to the terminal which seems a bit pointless since that's what they're trying to replace.
I can only see the only realistic option being tunneling - either reducing capacity of the existing one to allow a rail link in alongside (as was I believe the original plan) or creating a new tunnel space
I can only see the only realistic option being tunneling - either reducing capacity of the existing one to allow a rail link in alongside (as was I believe the original plan) or creating a new tunnel space