UK: Owners confirm sale of Southend Airport is "progressing"

The owners of London Southend Airport have confirmed they have "started the process" to manage its sale. Aviation group Esken revealed financial concerns in its annual results report - and that it would be seeking new owners for its core businesses. It said the airport was a "key strategic asset" and EasyJet investment proved "recovery is now under way". Executive chairman David Shearer said "the case for the airport remains well founded". London Southend Airport was bought by Esken - formerly the Stobart Group - in 2008 for GBP21m. The airport struggled during the Covid lockdowns from March 2020, when passenger numbers at the Essex terminal dropped by 90%.<br/>