The two organisations will partner to secure government backing for Midlands Engine Rail, a £3.5bn plan to transform inter-regional rail connectivity. This includes the Birmingham Airport Connectivity project that will introduce direct links between Birmingham International station and Derby, Sheffield, Doncaster and York, while also doubling rail services from Birmingham International to Leamington, Banbury, Oxford and Reading.

Birmingham Airport plans to invest £500m over the next 15 years as part of its master plan to improve customer facilities and cater for the forecast growth in passenger numbers from 13 million to 18 million by 2033.

Both organisations also committed to ensuring the full and timely delivery of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project. Birmingham Airport will be the first to benefit from direct connections to HS2, via the nearby Interchange station.

“It is absolutely imperative that government commits to funding Midlands Engine Rail, improve the surrounding road network and crucially, to deliver HS2 in its entirety,” says Midlands Connect chairman, Sir John Peace.

“It’s vital that we continue to work together and that Midlands Connect’s priorities, as well as HS2 get a vote of confidence from the new government,” says Birmingham Airport CEO, Mr Nick Barton. “We need investment in our roads and railways to keep pace with passenger growth, fulfil our Masterplan’s ambitions and build a transport network fit for the future.”