Welcome to the fifth issue of the London Southend Airport Community Newsletter
London Southend Airport has announced the appointment of Jude Winstanley as its new CEO, effective 2 December 2024
Jude brings 25 years of experience in commercial aviation from British Airways, Swissport and International Airlines Group.
Current interim Chief Executive Officer Marc Taylor, who has been providing leadership to the airport for the past six months, becomes the airport’s Managing Director for Operations having been an integral part of the airport’s operational team since 1998.
Jude Winstanley said: “I am looking forward to taking on the role of CEO, London Southend Airport. I am passionate about providing our passengers with continued, exceptional customer service whilst accelerating growth momentum.
“London Southend is a key asset to east London, Essex, Southend City and the wider East Anglia region, and I look forward to providing leadership to the airport’s highly skilled team.” READ MORE
Airline & Route Development
In May, we were thrilled to announce that easyJet will be opening a three 186-seat A320neo aircraft base at the airport from summer 2025, creating hundreds of jobs over the coming years. This news was further enhanced with the launch of six additional easyJet holidays destinations, including: Pisa, Gran Canaria, Dalaman, Antalya and Marrakech as well as to Enfidha in Tunisia. In August, three more easyJet routes to Almeria, Reus and Malta were added to the schedule, bringing our total number of destinations to 19.
The Air Bus A320 Neo aircraft generates 15% fewer emissions and most significantly, are 50% quieter for take-off, landing and taxiing than the traditional aircraft.
We currently have 4 routes on sale for our winter schedule, plus a magical package holiday to Lapland.
Community news
Charity Partnership with South East and Central Essex Mind
Want to WIN a HOLIDAY? You’ll have to find it first!
London Southend has been collaborating with Cash Hunt Essex on Instagram to hide cash and holidays around the county for the past four weeks… and there’s still time for you to win! The hunt returns on 5.12.24 with an extra special collaboration featuring Hays Travel Southend.
Here’s a hint on the secret location: Look high, look low, this one’s right up your street. LEARN MORE
Recruitment Day
Our annual Recruitment Day was a flying success! Having welcomed more than 400 people, the teams took part in hundreds of conversations and saw a fantastic influx of applications across departments. If you weren’t able to attend, don’t despair. We’ll no doubt be holding similar events in the future and look forward to welcoming new faces.
Red Arrows, Typhoon and Lancaster Bomber
Becoming something of a regular at London Southend, the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Lancaster Bomber returned to the city again this year for a quick stop-over during their performances at Eastbourne Airshow. Fingers crossed we’re there airport of choice for 2025!
Follow the Red Arrows here for updates on their 2025 display schedule.
Southend Remembrance Parade 2024
We will remember them
Safety and Compliance Manager Darren Peacock, who served as an RAF Engineer for more than 20 years, walked in tandem with his daughter, Snow, and colleague Jason Nolan (Passenger Services Supervisor) to represent London Southend Airport during the Southend Remembrance Parade.
We’d also like to extend a ‘thank you’ to Courts of Rayleigh for providing a beautiful, bespoke poppy wreath.
Education
On the evening of 12th September, 39 Air Scouts and Leaders from the Night Hawk Explorer Scout Unit in Canvey Island were treated to a tour of the Control Tower, Air Traffic Engineering and Fire Department.
Recently, more than 80 cabin crew, aviation, Level 2 and 3 travel students from Thurrock/South Essex colleges visited the airport and treated to a series of talks from keynote speakers.
Guide Dogs familiarisation training
This summer, Guide Dogs puppies and their handlers were invited to tour the airport and expose the young pups to several airport scenarios: loud noises, crowds, large baggage and more.
But why? The familiarisation training means that the dogs will be better equipped and prepared for this activity in future, and have the tools they need to adapt quickly and stay in control as a working dog.
CAA Passenger Survey
Once again, our PRM passengers have scored our services as excellent! Our Mar – Oct 24 report rated airport assistance as follows:
- 91% of departing passengers rated the quality of assistance through the airport to the aircraft as excellent.
- 94% of departing passengers rated the general helpfulness and courtesy of the airport staff as excellent.
- 90% of arriving passengers rated the general helpfulness and courtesy of the airport staff as excellent.
PRM (Passengers with reduced mobility) Committee
A PRM meeting was held on October 23. Members from a range of disability and hidden disabilities groups were invited to review the facilities in the car parks, rail station and departure lounge. Feedback from PRM members helps the airport to provide an excellent customer service.
Through liaising with one of our PRM members, we have arranged an Autism Reality Experience for 24 passenger-facing colleagues in March 2025. The training will further enhance our understanding of our neuro divergent passengers and those that may accompany them through the airport.
Our Essex Therapy Dogs programme provides furry support for some of our most nervous fliers. Our trained four-legged friends will roam the terminal every week, accompanied by their handlers – who, luckily, are just as friendly!
Community Noise Forum (LSACNF)
Our LSACNF was established in 2021 and provides an impartial pathway for local communities to engage with the airport on aircraft noise matters.
Learn more about the forum and how to apply for membership here.
Charity partnership with South East and Central Essex Mind
Football fundraiser
London Southend Airport colleagues played local charity football team Run Free FC at Southend United FC in May 2024. The event raised more than £2,200 for our charity partner and saw over 100 volunteering hours logged by the LSA team. A fantastic day raising awareness for mental health.
Donated liquid items
Ever wondered what happens to the unclaimed, oversized liquids that get confiscated in security? Well, in case you have…
After six months, unclaimed items are donated to our charity partner SECE Mind, who collect and take them to their housing facility at Nelsons Gate. Any items not used/suitable are then passed onto a local homeless charity.
World Cup-On-Sea
Colleagues from the airport played in AJ Chambers’ annual 7-a-side tournament, featuring 32 professional business and hosted at Southend United FC, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. As a headline sponsor, London Southend Sponsored is delighted to report that the event raised more than £45,000.
Keep an eye on the World Cup-on-Sea website for news of the event in 2025.
Mental Elf 2024
Oh I wish it could be ‘Mental Elf’ every day! London Southend sponsored the (now infamous) Mental Elf festive run on Sunday, December 1 at Belfairs Woods, raising awareness and important funds for our local mental health services. Congratulations to our runners on the day for completing a very muddy 5K, you were all #SENsational; in particular, Michael Edwards (pictured), Aviation Firefighter, who finished in first place.
The JustGiving page is still open for donations.
Local sponsorship included Essex & Herts Air Ambulance ‘Strictly Air Ambulance’, Southend Rugby Club ‘Ladies Match for Breast Cancer’ and ‘Payer of the Year’, Havens Hospice Southend Half Marathon, Leigh Regatta, Rochford Christmas Festival and the Essex Cricket schools competition.
Are you looking for sponsorship in 2025? Get in touch!
Coming up…
London Marathon 2025
Firefighter Michael Edwards will be running the London Marathon for SECE Mind – no easy feat! If you would like to contribute towards his fundraising efforts, please donate here.
The airport also sponsored several local events including Essex & Herts Air Ambulance ‘Strictly Air Ambulance’, Southend Rugby Club ‘Ladies Match for Breast Cancer’ & ’Payer of the Year’, Havens Hospice Southend Half Marathon, Leigh Regatta, Rochford Christmas Festival and the Essex Cricket schools competition.
Travel Show
Sunday, January 26: Get exclusive deals on your next holiday at our in-person Travel Show! Follow our social media for more information in the coming weeks.
Vulcan Restoration Trust
The Vulcan Restoration Trust have had a busy year hosting a wide-range of events. From VIP visits and a sold out Beer and Music Festival to a 70’s Hangar Dance event and more! Keep track on their website here.
Vacancies
Are you looking to start a career in aviation? Or interested in learning a new skill with the team at London Southend Airport? Then keep reading.
As a major employer for Southend City and the surrounding area, we’re keen to develop a dynamic, bustling and thriving working environment and want your involvement. Airport employee will be right here alongside us as we continue to grow and develop.
London Southend Airport employs 87% of its workforce locally (i.e. SS postcode). To ensure a high percentage of jobs are accessible to local people, the airport actively looks to offer a significant amount of development and entry level as well as graduate opportunities where possible.
Click here to review our latest vacancies and apply online.
London Southend Airport is not offering work experience placements at this time.
Stay connected
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Information correct as of Monday, December 2 2024.