London Southend Airport To Debut New FBO

Following its opening earlier this year as the Stobart Executive Jet Centre, the FBO at privately owned London Southend Airport will debut a new larger facility next month, along with the simplified name of Stobart Jet Centre. The dedicated, 6,000-sq-ft business aviation terminal with landside/airside vehicle access, replaces an area that was part of the old passenger terminal that was used for, among other things, general deliveries to the airport.

This new structure is part of a multi-million dollar investment project at the airport, according to its operators, and among its amenities are a passenger lounge with complimentary catering and business services; a private crew lounge with refreshments, TVs and computers; and competitive landing, parking and handling prices. The airport's location, 42 miles from the capital’s West End, sees six trains per hour at the nearby station for a 45-minute ride to the heart of London and 10-minute helicopter transfers.

The facility will operate 24 hours a day the entire year, except Christmas Day, with no slot restrictions. It also offers on-site immigration and customs service, with pre-clearance available to qualifying passengers, along with 100,000 sq ft of heated hangar space—enough to accommodate up to four BBJs simultaneously.

“Convenience, speed and comfort are absolutely vital to the business and private aviation market,” noted FBO managing director Stephen Grimes. “The Stobart Jet Centre will offer guests and pilots a smooth, premium experience because we can offer 24-hour availability and departure routes outside London’s crowded airspace.” He added that the company is confident that the destination will become a “refreshing, hassle-free alternative to London’s current, crowded private aviation terminals,” and expects to handle 5,000 flights annually by 2020.