Celebrities and VIPs will soon be able to privately fly from Southend Airport as a new jet centre is to be unveiled.

Airport owners Stobart Aviation is to base a jet centre at the airport to allow more private flights to land before passengers are whisked off to London, either in chauffeur-driven cars or by helicopters providing a short hop to the capital.

Stephen Grimes, managing director of Stobart Jet Centre Limited, said: “It will appeal to sports stars and teams who want to get to London for matches hassle free, chief executives who have urgent meetings and need the flexibility to fly in any time day or night and VIPs from the Middle East and Europe who want to get straight into the heart of the West End.”

The Stobart Jet Centre will replace the existing much smaller facility and is due to reopen in November. The centre is expected to cater for 5,000 flights per year by 2022.

It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year.

Mr Grimes added: “Convenience, speed and comfort are absolutely vital to the business and private aviation market. This has been at the heart of our thinking in developing our new terminal. The Stobart Jet Centre will offer guests and pilots a smooth, premium experience because we can offer 24-hour availability and departure routes outside London’s crowded airspace. We are confident that London Southend Airport will become a refreshing, hassle-free alternative to London’s current, crowded private aviation terminals.”

There are helicopter transfers to and from Canary Wharf or Battersea Heliport. Passengers can reach central London in ten minutes from Southend

With no slot restrictions, Southend Airport can offer faster departure routes outside of London airspace, reducing flight times

The centre will have a VIP lounge with complimentary catering, refreshments and business services.