Major upgrade for Luton Airport Express

London Luton Airport (LLA) passengers travelling via the Luton Airport Express are set to benefit from revamped facilities and even more enjoyable journeys, as the service operator, East Midlands Railway (EMR), embarks on a £27.6 million train refurbishment programme, as the service celebrates its first birthday. 

The upgrade will see the fleet of electric class 360 Luton Airport Express trains refurbished with new 2+2 seating in a mixture of airline style and bay seats, as well as expanded luggage racks and new charging points and passenger information systems.

Over 530,000 passengers have used the Luton Airport Express service since its launch and link with the Luton DART 12 months ago.

Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, commented: “The Luton Airport Express service has brought London Luton Airport even closer to central London, with a faster, more frequent and more convenient service that, including the Luton DART, takes around 30 minutes door-to-door. This investment from EMR is exciting news and will deliver an enhanced on-board passenger experience, with improved interiors and modernised technology, strengthening the appeal of rail as a sustainable travel option for passengers travelling to and from the airport.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: “This multi-million-pound investment is fantastic news for Luton Airport Express passengers and will redefine their travel experience, offering them more convenience, comfort and better facilities. We have seen the number of passengers grow by more than 40 percent since the service linked up with the DART 12 months ago, providing a faster, more convenient and environmentally friendly way to get to and from London Luton Airport.”

Last month, the Luton DART also celebrated its first anniversary, with news the fully electric automated people mover has transported over 2.7 million passengers between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the terminal in that time.

Alberto Martin commented: “The DART underlines the way in which London Luton Airport and the airport owner, Luton Rising, are working together to drive more sustainable travel to and from the airport. In its first year of operation, the DART has achieved 16.2% modal share for passengers travelling to the airport and, alongside the Luton Airport Express, is playing an integral role in transforming LLA’s connectivity, making the end-to-end passenger experience from train to plane even more simple, friendly and convenient.”

Nick Platts, Luton Rising Managing Director, said: “The Luton DART has already proved a huge hit with passengers and is encouraging more and more travellers to get to and from our airport by train wherever possible, reducing the impact of car journeys on our roads. Every passenger using London Luton Airport and the Luton DART means more support for services in Luton, and vulnerable people in particular, who most need the help we fund through our unique £7.4m annual contribution to local voluntary, community and charitable organisations.”