AN Irish airline has launched new regular flights from Southend Airport – with the promise they’ll be a quicker and easier way of getting to the USA than using Heathrow or Gatwick.

Yesterday, Aer Arann started its new three-times-daily service between Southend and Dublin, offering single-ticket onward flights to four US cities.

Airline boss Sean Brogan was there to see the first flight leave, connecting to a plane bound for New York.

As traditional Irish musicians played in the terminal, Mr Brogan promised the new service would be faster and easier for both business passengers and holidaymakers.

Mr Brogan claimed his flights would shave hours off travelling times and make the journey far easier for Essex travellers.

He explained: “You need to look at the door-to-door times to really appreciate the difference. The amount you save, both at this end and when you land in America, is considerable.

“It’s a real difference and one people have already decided to capitalise on.”

Aer Arann, operating under the Aer Lingus Regional banner, announced its thrice-daily flights from Southend, linking to New York, Orlando, Chicago and Boston, in March. The first passengers to take advantage of the deals flew from Southend, bound for the Big Apple yesterday.

Mr Brogan said the average time between Southend and New York would be 11 hours, 15 minutes.

In comparison, Essex and East London passengers flying via Gatwick or Heathrow to the US had to factor in traffic on the M25 and other roads. During the rush hour, he said this could add at least two hours, followed by waits of more than 90 minutes at the airport. He added “The flight to New York is seven-and-a-half hours, so that’s more than 11 hours already.”

Passengers going via Dublin also benefit from the airport’s unique US customs and immigration arrangements, which allow them to complete immigration checks before setting foot in America.

When they will arrive Stateside, they are then regarded as domestic passengers, avoiding the large queues which often form at the country’s international airports.

Mr Brogan said: “Anyone who has landed at JFK airport with passengers from four flights queuing in front of them will know just how long that can take.

“The benefits of using this new route are obvious.”

Alastair Welch, Southend Airport’s managing director, pointed out: “This option isn’t available at Stansted or Luton. It’s another reason for choosing Southend.”