Emirates Air Line

Travellers on the DLR to London City Airport were surprised last week as testing started on the Emirates Air Line, London Gateway, between North Greenwich Arena (O2) and Excel, the cable car operation hanging above the rail units.  All 34 cabins were in action as they took off for their inaugural load testing flight.  The service is expected to open during the summer, well in advance of the Olympics.  Both venues are competition centres for London 2012 events.

The innovative link will provide a much needed new river crossing with the capacity to carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction – the equivalent of 30 buses per hour.  It is likely to become a major tourist attraction in its own right.

When the Emirates Air Line opens, passengers will have spectacular views of the city including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, Thames Barrier and the Olympic Park.  It will also be possible to see as far as Wembley Stadium Arch, 15 miles away.  www.tfl.gov.uk

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