Press Release

Issued by London Southend Jet Centre.

February 5, 2016

Stobart Executive Handling at London Southend Airport has undertaken a luxury time trial to prove once and for all that it is one of the most convenient business jet centres for the capital.

One cold Wednesday in February the newest competitor to the capital's business jet market took to the road to demonstrate that it can compete in the London business aviation market, and underline it has many unique points that set it way above the rest, such as being a 24-hour airport with absolutely no slot restrictions, superior departure and arrival routes and incredibly competitive pricing.

A Range Rover and Jaguar XJ kindly supplied by Beadles Group, Southend were the test cars and Canary Wharf the starting point. The Range Rover would be travelling to Luton before returning to its Docklands starting point for a second trip to Biggin Hill. The Jaguar XJ would be heading for Farnborough and then back to Canary Wharf before its second journey to London Southend.

The strict rules of the challenge meant that both cars had to observe speed restrictions and limits whilst heading to the most well known outer London FBOs with independent photographers on board capturing images of landmarks and sign posts to prove that each vehicle had followed its pre-agreed routes.

By the end of the day the on-board trip computers proved once and for all that Stobart Executive Handling at London Southend Airport is a convenient airport to London and the City. The trip to London Southend was just 55-minutes, tying first with London Luton Airport.

What further sets London Southend Airport above other airports are the big time savings, which are made through short aircraft taxi times and avoiding congested London airspace, ultimately saving fuel and precious minutes. With an average time of car to airborne in just five minutes, London Southend Airport really is proving it is the smart and time efficient choice for business aviation.

Commenting on the result, LSA's head of customer service Hannah Lo Bao said: “This has been a great bit of fun, but it also makes a serious point as it banishes the misconception that London Southend is a long way out of the City; this proves once and for all we absolutely are not.”

She added “The executive handling facility at London Southend Airport is the smart business option as we can offer so much more that the other outer London airports cannot – we are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no slots required, direct ramp access for vehicle, better departure and arrival routes reduced flight time and less fuel burn, 16 minutes in helicopter to central London, a train station on site with up to eight trains per hour to Liverpool Street in just 53 minutes, the list goes on. London Southend is a winner all round.”

A representative from car dealership, Beadles Group in Southend said: “When we first heard about the idea, it appealed immediately. The two marques are characterised by prestige, world-class luxury and refined efficiency; values which Stobart Executive Handling and their customers share with us. We were delighted to provide the challenge vehicles and demonstrate how a Jaguar or a Land Rover can take you where you want to be smoothly and with style. Rather like Stobart Executive Handling.”