Airport chiefs are calling on the Government to slash travel times to Stansted by a third.

Managing Director Nick Barton yesterday **mon** called on the Government and rail industry to improve the link with London Liverpool Street.

The 35 mile journey currently takes 45 minutes and almost 50 per cent of passengers use public transport to travel to the airport.

Mr Barton said: “Businesses, passengers and airlines tell us how important fast, reliable and quality rail services are.

“Whilst we have the newest trains serving any UK airport, we know there is still plenty more to do when it comes to improving speed and reliability.

“We can’t maintain or build on our public transport success without major rail investment, which has to be included in the Government’s policy announcement this summer.”

An airport spokesman said it would be up to the Government to decide how the service could be speeded up but the move was nothing to do with the opening of Southend Airport as they are not a direct competitor.

MP Sir Alan Haselhurst said: “The time is right for ministers to recognise the needs of commuters, business and air passengers alike. It is an alliance which should be heeded without further delay.”