Stobart Group yesterday (16 January) celebrated 10 years since it acquired London Southend Airport (LSA) and said it is looking to further grow and expand the airport.
More than 50 people representing local and regional businesses, along with key stakeholders, were amongst those attending the event at the Holiday Inn at London Southend Airport.
Stobart Aviation chief executive officer, Glyn Jones (pictured left) said: “As you’d expect from London’s fastest growing airport, we’ve seen a lot of change over the last 10 years – and we’re planning for even more change over the next 10.
“That’s why today we have not only considered our achievements to date, but also looked forward to what the next 10 years could bring – for both London Southend Airport and the airport industry.”
In 2019 – beyond the currently runway resurfacing to allow a greater variety of planes to operate from the airport and the April arrival of new partner Ryanair who will base three aircraft at LSA creating 11 new routes – there are also plans to extend the terminal, introduce self-service bag drop and increase the food and beverage outlets on offer to passengers.
In 2009 when Stobart took over LSA there were just 3,000 passengers a year using the airport – in 2019 there is expected to be 2.5 million.
Jones also revealed the airport will be submitting plans to build a second hotel: “As we get bigger, we also want to get better – unlike other airports we have absolutely no intention of letting the passenger experience slip as we grow, we want it to improve.
“We will continue to invest in great people, use big data to understand our market and embrace technology and partnerships. We are absolutely determined to retain our title of Which? ‘Best Airport in London’, which we’ve been named 5 years in a row.”
