EasyJet makes inaugural flight from Southend to Edinburgh
The airline’s passengers will be welcomed with entertainment from the 10-piece Essex Caledonian Pipe Band and a refreshing glass of Irn Bru (or champagne!) plus a stick of Edinburgh Rock ahead of the first flight.
EasyJet’s new direct flights to the Scottish capital from London’s newest airport will enable travellers from the region to reach Edinburgh in just 75 minutes, six days a week, all year round with London Southend becoming easyJet’s fourth London airport offering flights to Edinburgh – more than any other airline. The new service will provide every opportunity for the 85,000 passengers expected to use the service each year, to experience the city’s world famous culture, history, architecture and sense of fun.
Above: Edinburgh Airport.
Hugh Aitken, easyJet’s UK Commercial Manager said: "We’re delighted to be launching this new easyJet service from London Southend to Edinburgh. We’re actively expanding our destinations from the airport and delivering on our promise to provide great value for money, choice and flexibility with our friendly service.
"Our direct flight to Edinburgh will enable passengers from the region to explore the city or extend their visit to further areas of Scotland easily and affordably whether travelling for leisure or work. We’re sure the new service will be a big hit."
Above: London Southend Airport (LSA) MD Alastair Welch with the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band.
London Southend Airport Managing Director Alastair Welch said: "Our customer research told us Edinburgh was the most popular and widely requested UK destination locally, so it therefore it made perfect sense for us to respond to that and give passengers what they want. It also means that people in Essex and London no longer have to face a day long drive or tortuous train journey to get to Scotland."
Above:
EasyJet A319 taxiing at Southend Airport.
Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar, said: "Providing our passengers with the best choice of destinations is a key priority of Edinburgh Airport and we are delighted that easyJet are now flying directly to London Southend. This will no doubt provide greater flexibility for our business travellers who will be able to fly to all London airports from Edinburgh."
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "We welcome the news that easyJet is further investing in Scotland with a flight to London Southend. London remains a critical market for Scottish businesses and with the developments in East London and the Thames Estuary I am sure this new link will prove popular."
