HS2 key to Birmingham Airport’s connectivity
Becoming the UK’s first high speedconnected airport in 2026 will be key to securing the continued growth of Birmingham Airport, says its Head of Planning Robert Eaton.
Addressing delegates at the second annual transport-led Development in the Midlands conference on November 14, Eaton said that the airport is currently registering 17.6% year on year growth to cater for 13 million passengers per annum.
This brings significant economic benefits to the region, including 9,000 staff directly employed on site, as well as an estimated £1.1 billion Gross Value Added to the West Midlands economy through the national and international connectivity it provides.
The arrival in 2026 of HS2 Phase 1’s Birmingham Interchange station adjacent to the airport is already a key element of the airport’s sales pitch to attract new airlines, explained Eaton, adding that reduced journey times will also bring the airport closer to London than rivals Stansted and Luton.
“HS2 will significantly increase our catchment area by bringing 30% of the UK population within one hour’s journey time. Better connectivity will bring more passengers which bring greater economic benefits, so it’s really important we make the most of it.
“It’s important not to forget traditional rail, too, and we’ve been asking for more early morning services to Birmingham International.
“We’ve also lobbied for the inclusion of Birmingham Airport within the name of Birmingham International in the next West Coast Partnership franchise (commencing in April 2019), as people from outside the Midlands might not know they are next to each other.”