SOUTHEND Airport’s boss has voiced his support for running a train service, specifically tailored for the needs of airport passengers.

Glyn Jones, the airport’s chief executive, has questioned why his company doesn’t run its own franchise rail service “specified with the needs of the airport passenger” in mind.

Currently, the airport is served by Greater Anglia via the London Liverpool Street line, where the last train departs shortly before midnight, leaving some people stranded.

In ideas suggested by Mr Jones trains could run in tandem with flights, allowing easier access for customers from the station through to London.

Mr Jones said: “At London Southend, the airport operates the train station.

“Why not extend that to operating an airport rail franchise too, specified with the needs of the airport passenger in mind, not simply as an add-on to an already congested commuter service.”

Speaking to the national media, he added: “Operating airports like a service rather than as infrastructure businesses, responsive to passenger as well as airline and real estate customer needs, for me, is the heart of the solution.”

His suggestions have been welcomed by community figureheads.

Former council leader Ron Woodley , said: “I have sympathy with Glyn.

“What he needs to do is to put pressure on the new rail franchise to encourage it to run a better service to the airport.

“This is another way we could encourage more passengers to Southend by rail, rather than by car.”

Mr Jones’s comment coincide with the airport’s dramatic expansion plans, which will see a dozen new routes connecting south Essex with Milan, Prague, Venice and other leading cities. It is estimated the move will increases passenger numbers by 60 per cent.