Airport bosses believe better rail links could bring an extra 1.4 million passengers to Stansted.

On Friday managing director Nick Barton unveiled his plans to 150 transport leaders, local authorities and airport representatives at the airport’s annual Transport Forum.

His goals include a 30 minute rail journey from London to Stansted, extending to Crossrail to Stansted, improvements to services, and Stansted being the best connected air hub.

In his speech he said: “We have the spare capacity and infrastructure in place to support 35 million passengers a year and with faster rail links we can attract the airlines whose passengers value quick and reliable links to London.

“That’s why we launched our new rail campaign – Stansted in 30 – to persuade Government and the rail industry to commit to reducing journey times from London to Stansted to around 30 minutes.

“Stansted is proud to be the leading major UK airport for public transport use, with now 50 per cent of passengers using train, bus and coach to travel to and from Stansted.

“We believe there is a strong case to link the airport to high speed rail and support the proposals to extend Crossrail to Stansted.

“The East of England has suffered for too long from the effects of under-investment in the rail network and these improvements would have a significant impact on the local economy, jobs and long term growth.”