The managing director of Stansted Airport is calling for the return of four trains per hour between the airport and London Liverpool Street.

During the pandemic, the frequency of trains on the route dropped from four to two trains per hour to reflect the decline in passenger numbers.

Dunmow Broadcast: Stansted Airport managing director Gareth Powell at the Transport ForumStansted Airport managing director Gareth Powell at the Transport Forum (Image: Stansted Airport)

According to managing director Gareth Powell, Stansted's passenger numbers are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, and likewise restoring public transport to the same frequency as before the pandemic is critical in delivering a sustainable recovery.

In a speech to an audience of more than 100 transport experts, business partners and community groups at the annual Transport Forum this week, Gareth said: "The Government’s decision to cut the Stansted Express from four trains to two trains per hour, owing to reduced passenger numbers and the financial impact of Covid was perfectly understandable at the time.

"Now the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, we’re fast returning to 2019 volumes, and we therefore need a higher frequency, more convenient rail service, the likes of which serve the other major London airports.

"This will also enable us to deliver the most sustainable recovery possible, encouraging more passengers back onto trains and out of private cars, in line with a key pillar of the Government’s recent aviation strategy.

"We achieved the highest public transport modal share of any major UK airport – more than 50 per cent of passengers travelled to or from the airport by public transport in 2019. That’s an impressive record, and one I intend to protect."

The reduced frequency of trains made rail travel less appealing and convenient for passengers and employees, which caused them to switch to less sustainable forms of travel.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, there has been an 11 per cent decline in the use of rail as a proportion of all trips to the airport, compared to 2019's figures.

Stansted Airport hopes that increasing the number of trains will help passengers choose more sustainable travel options, and support the airport's ambitious growth plans.

Speaking after the Transport Forum, Gareth said: "National Express and Greater Anglia are committed to doing all they can to support our sustainability agenda and drive down emissions as much as possible, while our work with Arcadis to develop a ULEV strategy for the airport will be critical to our success.

"All our partners are primed and ready to do their bit – we know Greater Anglia, for example, have the infrastructure, quality rolling stock, the necessary resources and high passenger demand.

"We just now need government agreement to push the button on four trains an hour."

The Transport Forum, which took place on Wednesday, November 23 at the airport's Radisson Blu Hotel, also included speakers from public transport providers and industry bodies. 

John Boughton from National Express discussed the untapped potential of coach travel as a cheap and environmentally-friendly option, and Jamie Burles, managing director at Abellio Greater Anglia, updated delegates on the latest developments with the train operator following the pandemic.