THE OWNERS of Southend Airport have put the business up for sale after it was revealed the “process for the sale” has started.

In a report Esken announced its results for the past 12 months.

Bosses confirmed Southend Airport is now officially up for sale and the process to find a buyer has begun.

This comes after Esken issued updates on its performances and revealed its financial struggles.

The report stated: “Esken completed a strategic review of its operating businesses and is actively progressing a managed sale process of its core Renewables and Aviation businesses.

“Esken has started the process for the sale of London Southend Airport, its key strategic airport asset within the Aviation business.”

David Shearer, executive chairman of Esken, added: "Over the last financial year, we secured a successful debt fund raising in difficult market conditions, completed a strategic review of our operating businesses, and are now progressing with our plans to sell our core operating businesses and residual non-core assets through a managed disposal process with a view to returning any remaining value to Esken shareholders.

 “Our Aviation business continues to make progress as demand recovers, with Southend Airport signing a multi-year partnership with easyJet in January 2023 - the airline will now serve five destinations from the airport.

“We installed a new, experienced senior management team and the case for the airport remains well founded as demonstrated by the increase in routes served by easyJet.”

Bosses at Southend Airport also confirmed the news that Esken has "started the process for a sale".