A GOVERNMENT minister has praised Southend Airport for creating hundreds of jobs and offering passengers “everything they could ask for”.

Simon Burns, Transport Minister, joined Rochford and Southend East Tory MP James Duddridge on a tour of the latest developments at the airport.

He said the premises had all the facilities a passenger could need and the economic benefits of the airport were clear.

Mr Burns, who has been the MP for Chelmsford since 1987, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the airport.

“It is clear for all to see that the airport isareal asset, not just to Southend, but right across Essex.

“The airport has everything a passenger could ask for as well as being a huge employer within the town. A huge success story.”

The airport is extending the terminal building with the new arrivals area on schedule to open on June 17.

A fourth easyJet aircraft will also be based inSouthend.

Mr Duddridge said: “Southend Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice, not just for local residents, but people from across Essex.

“This is only set to increase over time and the minister was able to see that right here, on our doorstep, is a major player in the aviation industry, bringing employment, investment, tourism and, of course, holiday destinations.”

Stage one of the terminal became operational a year ago.

Passengers can arrive by train at the airport’s own station and wait for a maximum of four minutes for security.

The terminal extension will open in phases and be complete in December. It is needed because passenger numbers are set to reach two million a year by 2020.

Airport managing director Alastair Welch said: “It was a pleasure to be able to show the minister the progress that has been made and to discuss the role the airport can play in supporting the wider London airport system over the coming years.”