THE expansion of Southend Airport is “gathering momentum” in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, according to bosses.

Trains have just carried out successful test runs through the new £12million airport railway station, while scaffolding has been removed from the £3million control tower which is also being built.

Just a week ago, plans for a £10million, 129-bedroom hotel at the airport were unveiled. Managing director Alastair Welch has confirmed other key construction projects are on target to meet their completion dates.

The station is on the National Express line, from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street, and is being funded by Southend Airport and its owner, the Stobart Group.

It is scheduled for completion later this summer, while the long-awaited air traffic control tower is expected to be fully operational from February.

Replacing the current tower, which was built in the Sixties as a temporary measure, it will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems and improved views of the runway.

Essex company Readie Constr-uction, which is carrying out the work, has just installed new windows.

Meanwhile, roadworks to divert Eastwoodbury Lane to make way for the extended runway will begin in the autumn, and plans for the new terminal building are also beginning to take shape.

The aim is for Southend Airport to become a fully-functioning regional airport by 2012.

Mr Welch said: “The regeneration of London Southend Airport is gathering momentum, and we are finally starting to see everything we have planned and worked for take shape.

“We’re on course for our target of playing a pivotal role in the 2012 Olympics.

“This investment and development programme will provide the opportunity for local people to fly to a range of holiday and business destinations across Europe, as well as create local jobs and play a major part in helping to regenerate the area.

“These are very exciting times for London Southend Airport.”