The airport shuttle will run every four minutes at peak times, and reduce journey times to under four minutes. Credit: London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport has started work on its Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) transport system, a £225m double-shuttle fully automated people mover which will operate 24 hours a day.

The airport awarded contracts in December to a VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier joint venture and Doppelmayr Cable Car UK, and the works are expected to be completed by spring 2021.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

“The Council is proud to be at the forefront of creating a brighter future for Luton, and this is another exciting landmark moment in the ongoing transformation of our town under the £1.5b Luton Investment Framework,” said Luton council leader Hazel Simmons.

“The Luton DART will benefit not only airport passengers but also the people and businesses of Luton in that it supports our ambitions to secure long-term economic growth and ensure local people have access to high-quality employment opportunities.”

The project will include the construction of a 2.1km rail link from two purpose-built stations at Bartlett Square at Luton Airport Parkway to the airport terminal, and provide a shuttle every four minutes. This will reduce journey times to less than four minutes, enabling access to the terminal from central London within 30 minutes.

Luton and Central Bedfordshire councils have given the project full planning permission, which will create 500 construction jobs, 30 apprenticeships and 17 permanent positions over the next three years.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Luton Airport has come a long way from the grass airstrip that opened 80 years ago. It is experiencing unparalleled success, with a 50 per cent increase in passenger numbers since 2014,” said Luton councillor Andy Malcolm.

“The Luton DART will support ongoing growth to 18 million passengers per year by 2021, and make sure the passenger experience we provide is significantly enhanced.”

The airport reported an increase in passengers of 6.3% in the 12 months to February 2018 compared to the previous 12 months, from 14.8 million passengers to 15.8 million. The DART line will ease the burden on existing transport systems at Luton, which has become the UK’s fifth-busiest airport, and the fourth-busiest in London.