New Infrastructure Director for The Bluebell Railway

The board of the Bluebell Railway has co-opted Tony Astor to be Infrastructure Director.

Tony replaces Barry Luck who has stood down after three years in the role. Barry had indicated when he took on the Infrastructure Director’s position in 2020 that he wished to serve for no more than three years. 

Tony spent nearly 40 years in the airport business with almost 20 years in BAA culminating at the senior management level at Heathrow. He had many varied roles but for much of my time in BAA he concentrated on jet fuel infrastructure projects which included major contract negotiations and the development of new jet fuel-related facilities at Heathrow Terminal 5.   

In 2008 he set up his own airport consultancy business and worked at a number of high-profile airports in the Middle East, focusing on the development of jet fuel infrastructure. 

Following partial retirement in 2019, he became a volunteer project manager at the Bluebell Railway, initially in the Carriage & Wagon department before moving to Infrastructure to oversee the power upgrade project at Horsted Keynes station. 

Tony said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the board of the Bluebell Railway. Many businesses are facing unprecedented challenges at the moment, and I hope to be able to bring my business experience in project management and infrastructure development to ensure the Railway’s projects are delivered in the most cost-effective and timely manner.  

“Knowing that the volunteers are the backbone of the Railway, I am looking forward to helping them achieve great results as we deliver the future works programme.” 

Bluebell Railway plc chairman Paul Churchman said: “We welcome Tony Astor to the board and know he will work tirelessly to build on the great work of Barry Luck in delivering a range of complex infrastructure projects across the Railway. We thank Barry for his service since 2020 and wish him well as he continues with his various volunteer roles at the Bluebell Railway.” 

Tony took up his post on 1 March.