IT may not be big time, but at least it's a symbolic occasion. Southend Airport will once again offer regular scheduled flights to the European mainland.
Flywatch's five flights a week service to Le Touquet will offer a speedy Paris connection, and the prospect, if successful, of other services to European towns and cities.
Flywatch is so small at the moment, its managing director Tony Gunn doubles as chief pilot.
But then, Laker Airways, the firm which inaugurated the transatlantic revolution, was also tiny when it started life at Southend Airport in 1948.
Flywatch is a home-grown company and a prime example of Essex entrepreneuralism at work. Mr Gunn believes he has a viable, and proven, business model.
He deserves the best wishes of the town for his efforts to give a boost to our under-used airport.
Other regional towns and cities retain a strong loyalty to their local landing strip, and residents make a point of using the airport on their doorstep where possible.
It is a habit which south Essex could usefully learn. Le Touquet anyone?
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