Airtrain Citylink is a company that was formed to build and operate the Airport line in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia under a BOOT scheme. The line will pass into Queensland Rail ownership in 2036.

Airtrain Citylink
IndustryRailway infrastructure owner
Founded1996
Headquarters
OwnerUniversities Superannuation Scheme
Websitewww.airtrain.com.au

History

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In 1995, the Queensland Government called for expressions of interest to build the Airport railway line to Brisbane Airport.[1] In May 1996, Airtrain Citylink was named as the preferred proponent, however it would not be until 1999, that an agreement between the government and consortium to build the line was signed.[2][3][4]

Airtrain Citylink's shareholders included Macquarie Bank (30%), Colonial First State (20%), Hyder Consulting (15%), GIO General (11%) Transfield Services (10%) and Transroute International (10%).[5] Tracklaying started in August 2000, with the line opening on 5 May 2001.[6][7] Under the contract, Airtrain Citylink financed and built the line as a BOOT scheme. In 2036, ownership of the line will pass to Queensland Rail.[8] Services are operated under contract by Queensland Rail.

In 2013, Airtrain Citylink was purchased by Universities Superannuation Scheme.[9][10]

References

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  1. ^ "Airport link" Railway Gazette International February 1996 page 62
  2. ^ Brisbane Airport Rail Link Deadline Extended Minister for Transport 2 September 1997
  3. ^ Brisbane Airport Rail Link Deed Signed Government of Queensland 21 April 1998
  4. ^ "Brisbane Airport rail link go-ahead" Railway Digest June 1998 pages 26, 27
  5. ^ Brisbane airport BOT Railway Gazette International 1 April 1999
  6. ^ "Airport Line Tracklaying Commences in Brisbane" Railway Digest October 2000 page 11
  7. ^ Brisbane Airtrain Transfield
  8. ^ "Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead". Ministerial Media Statements. 11 February 1999.
  9. ^ Airtrain set for sale to British pension fund for $109 m The Courier-Mail 22 December 2012
  10. ^ UK pension scheme buys Brisbane railway Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine Money Management 27 March 2013
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