The Gatwick Express could escape the axe, according to airline bosses.

Rail chiefs had proposed scrapping the 30-minute service between Victoria and Gatwick to ease overcrowding on the London to Brighton line.

Under the controversial plans, the Gatwick Express would be axed and replaced with additional stopping services extending to the South Coast.

The changes were proposed by the now-disbanded Strategic Rail Authority, whose responsibilities have been taken over by the Government.

Airline chiefs, keen to keep the high-speed link, now think the proposals could be shelved.

A meeting between the Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (Bar UK) and the Department for Transport's rail director general Mike Mitchell has appeared to signal a U-turn.

Mike Carrivick, chief executive of Bar UK, said: "We got the impression there has been a rethink about the Gatwick Express and we are a bit more hopeful it might stay.

"We believe it is a big mistake to take away a direct rail link when air passenger numbers are growing."

Business leaders have clashed over whether to keep the service or abolish it altogether.

Those representing Sussex as a whole, including the West Sussex Economic Partnership, Sussex Enterprise and Cadia, have vehemently opposed plans to axe the service.

But the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership (BHEP), headed by Tony Mernagh, has urged Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to proceed with the SRA's recommendations.

The BHEP has described the Gatwick Express as a "luxury we cannot afford", claiming it runs at 60 per cent capacity.

But Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of business support group Cadia, said: "I am very encouraged by developments and delighted the airlines have managed to get to DFT and make the case for the Gatwick Express because people's livelihoods are at stake."

The Gatwick Express campaign has the support not only of UK airlines but also of overseas carriers who want an alternative landing destination to Heathrow.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "Options for the Gatwick Express are part of the Brighton mainline route utilisation strategy which is being considered by ministers."

Tuesday, January 10, 2006