Businessmen and women can fly for free on their next UK business trip from Southend Airport, it has been revealed.

Companies, who are members of the Essex Chamber of Commerce, can take advantage of the offer. The aim is to show people how convenient flying is compared to driving or taking the train.

Those interested can enjoy flights to Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin, operated through Stobart Air’s franchise partnership with Flybe.

Denise Rossiter, chief executive for Essex Chamber of Commerce, said: “Southend Airport is growing to be a real asset to businesses in the county and I am delighted to be able to work with them to offer members this unique opportunity. I am personally looking forward to making use of this offer to meet Chamber colleagues elsewhere in the UK and tell them what a great place Essex is to do business in.”

Flights to Dublin and Manchester operate up to three times a day. Glasgow is up to twice daily from Sunday to Friday. Businesses must be current members of Essex Chambers of Commerce to apply and must claim by Friday, March 16.

Glyn Jones, chief executive for Stobart Aviation, owners of Southend Airport, said: “This offer presents a great opportunity for our business community to try our new domestic business routes at no cost to themselves.

“We are doing this as we simply want people to experience how quick and convenient using the airport can be for their busy working lives.

“We hope lots of members will use this offer to help build their businesses.”

In December the airport announced it will operate four new routes to Bordeaux, Prague, and Dubrovnik and Pula in Croatia.

Bordeaux flights will start on July 25 and operate three times a week. Prague starts on July 27 and will be twice weekly. Dubrovnik and Pula will be twice weekly from July 28 and 27.