LLA shifts to high gear with transport award win

The successful launch and transformational impact of the Luton Airport Express saw LLA, the airport owner Luton Rising, and EMR bag the prestigious award for Best Alliance and Collaboration.

The all-electric Luton Airport Express has made the journey from train to plane even quicker and simpler for passengers travelling to LLA from central London, with a journey time of around half an hour. The service links to the Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) introduced in March 2023 to transport passengers directly from Luton Airport Parkway train station to the airport terminal in just four minutes.

The National Transport Awards highlight the commitment, expertise, and innovation of organisations working to improve transport networks across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive of London Luton Airport said: “Enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel are key to London Luton Airport’s plans for responsible growth and reducing the environmental impact of journeys to the airport. The Luton Airport Express service, alongside the Luton DART, brings LLA even closer to central London, with a faster, more frequent and more convenient service that has transformed the appeal of rail as a sustainable travel option for passengers travelling to and from the airport.”

Cllr Javeria Hussain, Vice-Chair of Luton Rising, said: “Customers choosing rail to get to and from our airport want to know that all the companies involved in their journey are collaborating closely to provide them with the most seamless experience possible. It’s very rewarding for that partnership working to be recognised.

“Together, the Luton Airport Express and Luton DART are offering one of the fastest connections to the capital of any UK airport, and driving a significant modal shift to rail compared to when the previous bus shuttle service was in operation.”

Jenna Cowie, Head of Revenue and Marketing at East Midlands Railway, said: “It’s great to be recognised alongside our partners in the project, London Luton Airport and Luton Rising. The Luton Airport Express has been a great success making the journey simpler for our customers and as a result increasing the number of journeys by more than 50 per cent since launch in March 2023, along with the new DART shuttle service.

"Our collaborative approach has meant a joined-up, targeted strategy, enabling us to offer value for money, a fast service and convenient travel the Luton Airport Express provides.”

The National Transport Award rounded off a hugely successful week for the Luton DART, which also scooped the ‘Outstanding Engineering Achievement’ award and highly commended status in the ‘Project of the Year’ category at the Global Light Rail Awards, which celebrate outstanding achievements in the light rail and urban transit sector.