Southend Airport's new £10million terminal has been officially opened.

Tory Transport Secretary Justine Greening visited the expanding airport today to cut the ribbon on the new building.

She praised Stobart Group, the airport's owner, for ploughing more than £100million into its redevelopment in the middle of the recession.

She added: "This is huge step forward for Southend Airport.

"I would like to congratulate Stobart Group on the excellent facilities, which will make a real difference for passengers."

“This is also good news for the region. Not only will the 500 new jobs created by the summer provide a real boost to the local economy and to the broader Thames Gateway region, the redevelopment will bring new opportunities to both business and tourism.”

“Regional airports have an important role to play in this country's national infrastructure, and this impressive new facility comes at a key time - perfectly positioned for the 2012 Games just a train ride away in Stratford.”

Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler said: “We are extremely proud of the work we have done here at London Southend Airport.

"Since early 2009 we have worked very hard to deliver on the promises we’ve made around bringing the airport back to a new era of prosperity.

"Now we are delivering on these promises, with new services to Ireland, over 500 new jobs created, a new railway station, new air traffic control tower, new terminal, new hotel, and we’re extending the runway for the start of easyJet services to nine destinations next month.

"There are very exciting times ahead for London Southend Airport and the broader south Essex and Thames Gateway region.”

For a full report, plus news of new routes from the airport, get your copy of Tuesday's Echo.