BAA to consult on new Heathrow rail link

Airport operator BAA has announced that it is to launch a consultation on plans to build a new rail link to Heathrow Airport.

The community consultation will ask local residents to submit views on a new link between the hub and Staines, with passengers potentially being able to use rail services to other parts of the network south-west of the airport via Waterloo, Guildford and Reading.

Known as Heathrow Airtrack, the proposed railway line will be subjected to environmental and technical testing before the consultation is launched in two stages over 2008 and 2009.

"We are absolutely committed to keeping local residents as informed and involved during the Heathrow Airtrack development process," commented Mike Noakes, rail general manager for BAA.

He added: "We have a good record of working with our local communities on projects such as Terminal 5 and Heathrow East and are determined to maintain that record on Heathrow Airtrack."

BAA is currently undertaking a £6.2 billion ten-year programme to revamp Heathrow Airport's facilities.

The scheme includes an upgrade of Terminal 3, the opening of Terminal 5 and the refurbishment of Terminal 4.

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