With recent major developments at London Southend Airport readying it
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for an influx of passengers, the plans will not only create jobs at Southend, but open up a wide number of regional opportunities, especially around the Olympics.
It's been a busy year at Southend Airport. Stobart Rail has constructed a dedicated new airport railway station, which will provide up to eight train services an hour to London Passengers will be able to access the Olympic Village in Stratford in just 44 minutes by train and central London in around 50. This will become a real viable option for travellers to London as Southend is well placed to avoid the congestion associated with London's airspace.
But it's not just the rail access that's been upgraded at the airport: a new control tower with state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems will provide greatly improved views of the airfield.
Work is about to start on a runway extension that will enable the airport to attract airlines operating commercial passenger services to a wide range of business and leisure destinations. Work has also begun on the terminal building, and plans have been approved for a new 129-bedroom hotel, which will begin construction in 2011. In September Southend Airport won the prestigious ERA Airport Achievement Award. The airport's collaborative work with the local community and relevant local bodies to secure planning permission for a runway extension was haled as a particular success.
• For further information on facilities at London Southend Airport. contact: Alastair Welch at alastairwelch@ stobartair corn