Mark was joined at the reception by a number of other MPs and figures from the aviation industry, including Alistair Welch, the Managing Director of Southend Airport, which is now owned and operated by the Stobart Group of companies, originally founded by famous transport haulier Eddie Stobart. Mark also met with several Easyjet cabin crew members, including some who live in Southend itself.
Mark spoke with senior Easyjet executives, including Cath Lynn who is the Customer and Revenue Director and thanked them for investing in the area and helping to create jobs, particularly in the current difficult economic climate. Mark, whose late mother Anna Francois was Italian, was also pleased to hear that Easyjet has now begun services from Southend to the beautiful city of Venice, on the Italian North East coast.
Speaking about Easyjet’s investment at Southend, Mark said:
“I am pro the investment which has gone into Southend Airport and the surrounding area. The Stobart Group have put their money where their mouth is, at a time when finances generally are pretty tight. I am pleased to see that they have been rewarded by attracting Easyjet, one of the most popular airlines in the country to Southend. This is all good for local employment and makes it easier for my constituents to travel abroad on holiday or on business, so I wanted to thank the directors of Easyjet in person for their support of the Essex economy. I am not enthusiastic about the so-called ‘Boris Island’ in the Thames but I certainly do support the expansion at Southend and Easyjet are a key part of that.”