Southend airport has said it is talks with several airlines about starting new services in 2023.
The Essex airport resumed passenger flights at the beginning of May, after low-cost airline easyJet returned to the hub, with services to Faro, Malaga and Majorca.
It currently has one arrival and departure each day but expects this to increase “over the medium term”.
David Shearer, executive chairman of the airport’s owner Esken, said: “We are delighted that travel restrictions have been removed and that easyJet has chosen to fly to three destinations from London Southend Airport this summer.
“With the continued support of our investment partner, we remain in discussions with a number of airlines for 2023.
More : New airline deals for Southend airport not expected until 2023
“The airport’s attractive operating cost, passenger experience and ease of access by rail, coupled with the constraints at the more established London airport bases underpins the opportunity to secure future airline agreements.”
He made his comments as Esken announced its results for the 12 months ended February 28, 2022.
The group’s aviation business narrowed its adjusted losses to £800,000, an 87% improvement on the £6.2 million lost the previous year.
This was as a result of £3.5 million of one-off benefits associated with Connect Airways and Teesside.
Esken said it does not expect to secure any further airline agreements for summer 2022.
Shearer added: “As previously announced, the group decided to close London Southend Airport (LSA) to commercial passengers during the winter period just gone to position the airport for the beginning of a return to flying in summer 2022.
“With passenger numbers in the year at less than 5% of pre-Covid-19 levels, we implemented strict cost control to minimise cash burn.”
He said Malaga, Palma and Faro are “hugely popular, proven routes”, adding: “Though we are still at an early stage of this operation, signs are encouraging.
“It is our expectation that the strong performance of these routes will help encourage easyJet and other airlines to put on sale further flights for FY24 and beyond as we continue to work toward a positive cash contribution.”
More : New airline deals for Southend airport not expected until 2023