ADVISERS have been appointed to help with the sale of Southend Airport as bosses insist the business has “strong potential” three months after it went on the market.

Southend Airport has confirmed Esken has appointed advisers for the sale of London Southend Airport.

This comes after Esken revealed the business has been put up for sale and the process to sell has been started in June.

Esken insists that Southend Airport has “strong potential” with the right ownership.

Travel experts have also echoed the view stating the continuous adding of new routes and destinations will “boost the confidence of any potential buyer”.

The airport has been on the up this year, announcing several new routes including Alicante, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Rob Staines, a travel expert who has visited more than 70 countries, said: “It is really encouraging to see airlines investing in new routes and destinations, many of which will be yearly services, from Southend Airport.

“This will boost the confidence of any potential buyer and make it an attractive proposition. Airlines spend a lot of time and money opening new bases and launching destinations and some regional airports have seen increased consumer demand.”

Mr Staines said Southend Airport has big appeal among travellers who are finding using them more convenient.

He added: “As the industry continues to build back post pandemic, some larger airports have yet to see figures back to 2019 levels. Many travellers are enjoying the benefits of smaller airports where there’s less opportunity for mass disruption and often cost savings with lower taxes and fees.

“Southend is an attractive airport due to its strategic location, but it is important that given its relative proximity to Stansted, a heavyweight in the south east, any buyer continues to invest and strategies a realistic growth plan.

“Regional airports like Newquay and Bournemouth are seeing healthy demand and offering great choice and connectivity for consumers and my hope is that, with the right buyer, Southend will follow suit.”

Kevin Buck, councillor responsible for highways, transport, and parking, added: “Whilst it is a concern that the airport is currently up for sale, I am confident a buyer will be found.

“With its excellent transport links to London, as well as a great passenger experience, it remains a very attractive airport to fly from.

“Pre pandemic, Southend Airport had reached around 2 million passengers per year. I am sure with the right new owner, with the addition of the new routes, with a few old favourites such as Alicante returning, I am sure these numbers will return.

“The airport contributes significantly to our local economy, so many rely on its continued success.”

The sale announcement came after Esken provided an update on its performances and revealed its financial struggles.

A spokesman for Southend Airport said: “Esken PLC has appointed advisers for the sale of London Southend Airport (LSA) its key strategic airport asset within the Aviation business, this is in the early stages.

“Esken believes that London Southend airport has strong potential within the right ownership structure along with capital to support its medium to long term growth ambitions.”