In Autumn 2006, BAA Ltd announced that it would provide the funding for HAL (Heathrow Airport Ltd) to promote a Transport and Works Act Order (TWA) for the AirTrack scheme.  

Since 2006, BAA/HAL (Heathrow Airport Ltd) have been developing a specific and detailed scheme proposal - "Heathrow Airtrack", which substantially reflects the scheme concept championed by the AirTrack Forum, but now includes some important revisions (see Infrastructure Requirements and Proposed Services).

In July 2009, HAL submitted an application to the Secretary of State for Transport for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992, seeking powers to construct, maintain and operate the railway and to acquire the necessary land and associated planning consents.This is a significant step forward in ensuring that AirTrack is built.

Full details of the Heathrow Airtrack proposals and the Transport and Works Act application, are available via BAA's Heathrow Airtrack web page (see link below).

It was originally anticipated that a Public Inquiry in to the scheme might take place in early 2010, but additional detailed work on timetabling and level crossing downtimes has resulted in the likelihood that the Inquiry will be delayed to the Autumn of 2010.

If permission is obtained and a funding package can be agreed, construction could begin in early 2012, with commencement of services in early 2016.

Although the current "Heathrow Airtrack" proposals substantially reflect the scheme concept championed by the AirTrack Forum, the AirTrack Forum has no responsibility for the content of the HAL application to the Secretary of State.   The initial period of formal consultation on that application ran from July to September 2009 and is therefore now closed. Objections to the scheme were required to be lodged during that period, though it is understood that expressions of support can still be received by the Secretary of State.

Any expressions of support or other representations about the proposals in the current application should be sent to the Secretary of State for Transport. For further information, please follow the link below to BAA's Heathrow Airtrack web page:

Click here to view the BAA Heathrow Airtrack page.