OPINION: FOR Southend Airport bosses, it’s the big clincher…budget airline easyJet is back on board as they build back after the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic.
Pre-pandemic, the airport was “handling” two million passengers but the downturn in the aviation sector saw numbers plummet by about 90 per cent, resulting in heavy post-tax financial losses of £21.5million in February 2022.
But the tenacity, determination and vision of airport bosses is now paying off.
Despite the challenges over the airport’s parent company and the sale of the airport, they have relentlessly pursued easyJet and other carriers.
This had led to easyJet’s return - marking a huge boost for the south Essex economy.
The low-cost carrier’s return means investment in a new base at the airport, creating 130 new jobs with a host of new destinations planned for 2025, in addition to the existing flights.
More flights could also be on the way to the south Essex airport, which bases its reputation on the relaxed journey for passengers. It’s less than 100 steps from the airport rail station, on the Greater Anglia line from central London, right into the terminal.
This point is underlined by chief executive, John Upton: “We’re thrilled to welcome an easyJet base to London Southend, supporting and creating hundreds of jobs locally as well as convenient, new and returning connections to many popular leisure and city destinations.
“This move is indicative of the demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia region who now have greater opportunities to choose to travel through our well connected, quick and easy airport. easyJet passengers will start their holiday sooner at London Southend as they relax and discover our award-winning terminal experience.
“Our dedicated on-site rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, London with connections to the Elizabeth Line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.”
The new pub at the airport, the Navigator is also proving a real hit with travellers, thanks to the investment and focus on facilities for passengers.
So where next for Southend?
As part of the deal, £32million of new funding has been secured to “secure the airport’s future growth”.
With six new destinations to choose from next year, holidaymakers certainly will be spoilt for choice if they’re considering flying from Southend rather than nearby Stansted or the other London airports.
Readers on the Echo’s Facebook page have heartily welcomed the new routes but want more with Malta, Glasgow, Krakow, Edinburgh, Ibiza, and Naples being among the destinations on Echo readers’ wish lists.
And with airline boss Ali Gayward already teasing extra destinations, easyJet certainly seems committed to its future at Southend Airport.
With a train station a stone’s throw away from the terminal, quick and convenient parking, and millions of people living within an hour of Southend, this announcement could mark the start of a bold, new era for the airport
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