London-Heathrow rail link Heathrow Express has launched an improved timetable on trains to Terminal 4, but failed to introduce a dedicated service.
The Heathrow Central-T4 shuttle has now been synchronized with the Heathrow Express service from Paddington, which stops at Heathrow Central (serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3) before continuing to T5.
A set timetable for the shuttle has been introduced, simplifying the interchange at Heathrow Central for Terminal 4 passengers, and reducing waiting times by 25%.
Heathrow Express has come under criticism in the past for neglecting T4.
Qatar Airways' CEO Akbar Al Baker said his airline was "reluctantly" moving from T3 to T4 later this year, claiming the enforced move was anti-competitive, as Heathrow Express trains no longer run direct from Paddington to T4, instead running straight from Heathrow Central to T5.
"Why is BA being given an advantage?" he said. "There was already a rail link to T4 when the flag carrier was based there, but that link no longer exists for the Heathrow Express.
"Our passengers will have to get off at T3 and change trains to travel on to T4. I accept that British Airways is the national carrier and should enjoy certain privileges, but other airlines should not be put at a competitive disadvantage.
"Why can't BAA arrange for alternate trains to stop at T4 - it is not as though that line doesn't already exist."
The new timetable means the service will depart Terminal 4 at 12, 27, 42, and 57 minutes past the hour.
The total journey time is 23 minutes, with a three minute interchange at Heathrow Central managed by Heathrow Express staff.
The rail company has also invested £1 million in refurbishing the Heathrow Express T4 shuttle.
Richard Robinson, Heathrow Express' managing director, said: "This investment has enabled us to create 15 new jobs and ensure that we are still the quickest and most reliable way to the UK's busiest airport."
www.heathrowexpress.com www.qatarairways.com