BUSINESS leaders believe new flights between Southend and Dublin could boost the economy of south Essex.

Famous faces from across the business world have queued up to praise the launch of Aer Lingus Regional’s new route, which will run three times a day from Thursday.

They spoke at an event at Orsett Hall in Thurrock, hosted by the Essex Chambers of Commerce, to celebrate the launch of daily flights to and from Southend Airport and Dublin, starting on Thursday, with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann.

The businessmen and women believe the link to Ireland’s capital will lead to a big boost in tourism and open up the county to new firms.

Mark Pendlington, director of the Anglian Water Group, said: “Our exports and our economic link with Ireland are among the most important for UK businesses.

“We export more to Ireland than most other countries around the world and this link will allow Essex to connect directly with Ireland and will be a real boost for Essex’s place in the global marketplace.”

Philip Miller, whose Stockvale Group owns Southend attractions Adventure Island and Sea-Life Adventure, added: “People from Southend are going to go to Ireland. Hopefully in return we are going to see the Irish people coming back here to Essex. It’s a win-win for us all.”

The flights to Dublin will be the tenth new name on the airport’s departures board in little more than a month.

Following the launch of easyJet’s nine initial routes on April 2, the Aer Lingus Regional flights will also be designed to dovetail with the airline’s transatlantic flights to New York, Chicago, Orlando and Boston.

Passengers will be able to clear American immigration checks at Dublin, allowing them to land in the US as domestic travellers.

Philip George, of Birkett Long Solicitors, which has bases in Basildon, Chelmsford and Colchester, said: “I did not know that we had this direct link with America and it is a wonderful opportunity.

“I am sure it will help enormously – in business most of our trade is fairly local, but having just opened a new office in Basildon, we see a lot of international businesses.”

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, added: “This route will play a vital role in boosting the economy.”