Knock-on job losses from the closure of easyJet bases at Southend and Stansted airports have been revealed.
Stobart Group arm Stobart Aviation Services provides check-in and baggage handling services to the budget airline at both airports.
The company said today: “As a result of [easyJet’s] decision to close these airport bases, Stobart Aviation Services will enter a consultation process with the teams affected by this as part of a wider cost management programme within the aviation division.
“London Southend airport has also commenced a consultation process with its team in view of the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the resulting impact of blanket quarantine measures implemented by the UK government, which now includes key markets such as France, Spain, Malta, the Netherlands and Portugal.”
The airline has had four aircraft based at Southend serving 21 destinations and carried 1.05 million passengers in the past year.
“These are leisure-focused routes, which Stobart Group expects to be attractive to other airlines,” the aviation company said.
Stobart added that it “remains confident” about the group’s balance sheet, liquidity position and the medium-term opportunity for its key strategic London airport.
Chief executive Warwick Brady said: “We are disappointed that easyJet has taken the decision to close its airport bases serving the north and east of London.
“However, we expect that this decision will create significant opportunity for other airlines looking to take on established, popular and profitable routes.
“London Southend airport has a catchment area in excess of 8 million people, regular direct trains from London Liverpool Street in 51 minutes and can offer a cost-efficient base of operation for airlines with an increasingly enhanced passenger experience for post-Covid-19 travel.
“Though the 2020 summer and winter periods will continue to be challenging, we expect passenger demand for short-haul leisure flying to increase through 2021, and we are in active dialogue with airlines regarding their interest in capitalising on these well-established, profitable routes.”