SOUTHEND Airport could get a boost when a new boss takes over the reins at its parent company, Stobart.

Warwick Brady, the former chief operating officer of Easyjet, will take charge of transport and property firm Stobart Group - the firm which runs the airport - in June.

Mr Brady became deputy group chief executive of the company earlier this year, taking on responsibility for Southend and Carlisle airports and Stobart Air. Stobart claims the appointment will benefit the airport.

A spokesman said: “There will be no impact on London Southend Airport by Warwick taking the chief executive role, other than even greater expertise on the Stobart board in the aviation industry, brought by Warwick’s long time industry credentials. “

Mr Brady was previously deputy operations director at Ryanair and deputy chief executive of Buzz following its acquisition from KLM.

Eleven new routes were established from Southend, operated by Stobart Air under the Flybe brand, which are due to deliver up to 300,000 extra passengers by 2018.

The airport is seen as having potential to grow within capacity-squeezed London-area airports, ahead of a third runway being opened at Heathrow.

Stobart reported a 49 rise in pre-tax group profits for the year to February 28.

The company believes the airport that has technical capacity to handle 10 million-plus passengers, 45 minutes from London, will over time be “a very valuable asset for the group.”

Current chief executive Andrew Tinkler is stepping down after ten years to head the newly formed Stobart Capital. He will continue as an executive board member of the group.

Stobart Capital chairman Iain Ferguson said: “The establishment of Stobart Capital will allow us to fully harness our entrepreneurial skills and identify new value creating opportunities.

“I would like to thank Andrew for his unique and tireless contribution to the group over the past ten years, and I look forward to working with Andrew and Warwick in their new roles.”