Southend Airport has received yet another boost after owners the Stobart Group confirmed it has signed a new airline deal.

The aircraft leasing company, Propius, has entered in to an agreement with German Operating Aircraft Leasing for three Embraer E195 aeroplanes.

The aircraft are on lease to FlyBe, who fly regularly to and from the airport.

The deal will see the planes used until the end of next year with the aim of growing passenger numbers in a number of airports, including Southend, which continues to prove extremely popular with passengers.

Tracy Jones, spokesman for Southend Airport, sees it as another major step forward for the business and said: “Aviation is a core part of the group’s strategy to grow the overall business.

“The investment into the Embraer 195 aircraft will support the growth plans in our regional airline and aircraft leasing businesses.

“It adds further flexibility as we continue to grow our regional airline, develop our valuable long-term franchise with Aer Lingus, support Flybe in the Isle of Man and grow passenger numbers at Southend Airport.”

This deal was announced in a statement to the London Stock Exchange, with Stobart saying it had been funded with proceeds from a leasing deal, also with German Operating Aircraft Leasing.

Those proceeds were worth more than £50million, which was signed earlier this year.

Residents have previously voiced concerns about bringing in more airport users.

Many are worried that it would bring in too much traffic and parking would become even more of an issue in the nearby residential areas.

There had already been similar concerns from residents, with Southend Airport introducing flights to further destinations such as Malta later this year.

It also recently expanded its destinations earlier this year by introducing flights to various other popular destinations in Europe.

The total value of the deal is £42.7million, before deductions connected to maintenance security deposits.

Earlier this year, the Stobart Group submitted plans to develop the runway and terminal at Carlisle Airport.

It was part of a bid to bring international passenger flights to Belfast, Southend and Dublin, which is the aim for summer 2018.