EASYJET has started its search for new Southend Airport staff, kicking off a job bonanza following the announcement of a series of exciting new routes.

This week Southend Airport and easyJet announced that three new routes are on sale to Reus and Almeria in Spain, and the popular Mediterranean island of Malta, with flights starting in March 2025.

Alongside the announcement, easyJet has begun advertising for new new cabin crew staff to be based at Southend Airport next year, as well as a direct entry cabin crew manager.

It comes after easyJet announced it would re-open a base at the airport in March next year alongside a host of new routes, which will eventually create a whopping 130 new jobs at the airport.

Once the base re-opens following its closure in the Covid pandemic, ten new routes will be added taking the total number of destinations at the airport up to 17.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for culture, tourism, and business, added: “It is brilliant news.

“Recently the airport has been building back up to the levels before the pandemic showing it is moving from strength to strength.

“It is fantastic news again for all the people in Southend to have these new destinations they can go to and flights they can book.

“It will also bring in extra money and jobs to the city via the airport itself too.

“So, it is really positive news.”

Both flight-only seats and easyJet holiday packages are now available to book for all ten destinations set to be added alongside the three-aircraft base.

Catríona Manning, 44, from Westcliff, added: “I am very excited to see more routes added at Southend Airport.

“It opens up more of Europe on our doorstep, reducing the need to travel to full capacity airports in the southeast which are a lot more stressful to get too, and the passenger experience is not as good as it is at Southend Airport.

“It is also great to see pre-covid routes returning to Southend Airport but also some exciting new destinations beyond the traditional favourites.

“It can only be a good thing for our community that the airport is continuing to rebuild its presence as an alternative to the other southeast airport.

“It connects us with other countries, provides job opportunities for people in the area and also showcases to visitors what Southend as a city itself has to offer.”