The Airport needs to have the appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enable it to serve the local and regional community and to attract airlines and other aviation related businesses. In particular this means:
• A longer runway, suitable for the modern regional passenger aircraft used by most of the European airlines, such as the A319, Embraer 190/195 and B737 â€" 500s (not the bigger 737's or larger aircraft) and the new Bombardier C Series, all suitable for services to all European cities for business and Mediterranean leisure destinations.
• improved operational facilities such as a new control tower
• better customer facilities such as a hotel and new terminal
• improved access primarily in the form of a rail station but also in terms of other public transport, sustainable modes, adequate roads and car parks
• additional land on which to attract new inward investment and jobs directly related to the airport.
In summary, a thriving regional airport will 'put Southend on the map' and serve the expanding Thames Gateway region and South Essex.