SOUTHEND Airport has launched its new luxurious private jet base to attract celebrities and VIPs.

Airport owners Stobart Aviation officially launched the Stobart Jet Centre last Thursday.

Aviation bosses boast ambitions to outstrip competitors on price, speed, service and convenience in the south east region.

The service will run 24 hours a day seven days a week, except Christmas, with unrestricted slots.

This means the airport can offer faster departure routes outside of London airspace, reducing flight times.

Stobart Aviation said the centre is expected to cater for 5,000 flights by 2022.

Stephen Grimes, managing director, 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.

“Always at the heart of our thinking has been to provide our customers with the utmost convenience, speed and comfort.

“We will also be offering the most competitive prices in the London business and private aviation market.

“The Stobart Jet Centre will give our customers a fast, hasslefree service 24 hours a day with home from home comfort and no slot restrictions.

“We are absolutely confident that Stobart Jet Centre provides a unique environment and refreshing alternative to other airports serving London.”

The jet centre will allow more private flights to land before passengers are whisked off to London, either in chauffeur-driven cars or by helicopters to and from Canary Wharf or Battersea Heliport to provide a short hop to the capital.

The new centre will also offer onsite immigration and customs, with pre-clearance available to qualifying passengers. Other luxuries include a VIP lounge with catering, refreshments and business services.

The new centre is a further step to the regional airport’s lat- N VIP treatment – the Jet centre lounge est achievements and success. Southend Airport has been ranked ‘Best London Airport 2017’ by Which? for the fifth year in a row.

It was also voted ‘Best UK Airport (under 3 million capacity)’ in 2016 for a second time by the Airport Operator’s Association.

Airport bosses have invested more than £160m since 2008 to build-up the airport’s service and reputation.

Southend Airport is now one of the fastest ways to access central London by air, with a dedicated train station in front of the terminal and rail access to London in 45 minutes.