Stobart Jet Centre to open at London Southend next year

London Southend Airport

A new FBO, the Stobart Jet Centre, is set to open in November 2017. Part of Stobart Aviation, the new centre will replace the existing, much smaller facility at London Southend Airport.

The Stobart Jet Centre will increase the capacity available for private flights into London, Europe’s busiest city for private aviation. It is expected to cater for 5,000 flights per year by 2022.

London Southend Airport is only 42 miles from the West End of London, with road, rail and helicopter links to the city. Chauffeur transfers are less than an hour by road to Central London and only 30 minutes to the M25. There are also helicopter transfers to and from Canary Wharf or Battersea Heliport.

London Southend Airport has no slot restrictions and can offer faster departures and reduced flight times.

The centre will offer onsite immigration and customs, with pre-clearance available to qualifying passengers; a VIP lounge with catering and business services; and a private crew lounge with refreshments, TV and computer facilities.

Speaking at NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas this week, Stephen Grimes, MD of the Stobart Jet Centre, said: “Convenience, speed and comfort are absolutely vital to the business and private aviation market. This has been at the heart of our thinking in developing our new terminal. 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.

“We are confident that London Southend Airport will become a refreshing, hassle-free alternative to London’s current, crowded private aviation terminals.”