CARGO flights from Southend Airport are resuming next week in a move to support jobs.

In November, Southend Airport announced an unnamed temporary logistics partner to operate between January 10, and March 25.

The operation will see cargo flights depart in the evening and land in the early hours three times a week.

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Airport bosses say the partnership is vital to protect finances and jobs as it awaits the resumption of easyJet passenger lights in March.

“This short-term logistics operation will operate three flights per week, and the income generated will support local jobs,” an airport spokesman said.

“During the winter months we will also be having more discussions with airlines as we continue to redevelop commercial passenger operations, which is our primary focus going forward.”

The airport says it cannot reveal the identity of the logistics partner. 

Councillor Martin Terry believes the deal is necessary for the airport’s prosperity following the financial blow of losing airline partners RyanAir and Wizz Air during the coronavirus pandemic.  

“As worldwide aviation recovers, undoubtedly the airport will start to be busier again with passenger flights,” he said.

“But for now we need to look at other ways to secure its financial future.

“I remember as a child it used to be the third busiest airport in the country and we want to see it succeed again.”

The airport has been one of the worst affected in the country by the pandemic.

And while UK airports have recovered on average to about 80 per cent of their pre-pandemic numbers, Southend clocked up just 5 per cent of summer 2019’s passengers last year.

Recognising some frustration over night flights, Mr Terry added: “These night operations are helping to sustain it through a very difficult period and there has to be a compromise in this.

“There has been some concern over noise, but let’s hope it doesn’t cause too much disturbance.”

In mid-September the airport halted Amazon night flights, citing a “change of strategic focus”, and following pressure from campaign groups and MPs.

At the time Southend West MP Anna Firth welcomed the news as an end to “years of sleepless nights for residents”.