HAVE you ever got off a plane and wished you didn’t have to get a train or drive home?

For those that can afford it, Southend Airport has launched its Executive Jet Centre for 2017 which means passengers could be in Canary Wharf in just ten minutes.

A new partnership between the airport and Apollo Air Services has been formed to offer luxury helicopter charters into the heart of London, getting to Battersea in just 15 minutes, aboard luxury, all weather, 150+kts endurance Agusta 109 GrandNew helicopters.

The announcement was made at Europe’s premier event for the business aviation community - EBACE 2017 – which is at the Geneva Palexpo.

Stobart Group chief executive, Warwick Brady, said: “There is little doubt in my mind with the formidable capacity issues in the UK’s south east airspace, and the level of service and facilities we offer, that we are perfectly positioned to become a serious player in the London market.

“Our Executive Jet Centre, complete with comprehensive facilities, fully serviced executive lounge and a new helicopter transfer partnership with Apollo, makes us the wise choice for the discerning private jet traveller.

“We have all the ingredients, and a really exciting time ahead. I would urge all travellers, be they commercial or private, to give us a try.”

From Southend, a unique all-inclusive price of £1,995 is offered for landing and helicopter combination services – to anywhere within 20 minutes flying time of the airport. In addition, a door-to-door luxury chauffeured car service is offered, as well as executive boat transfers on the Thames from Canary Wharf.

Ann Holland, Southend councillor for Tourism and the Economy, welcomed the news.

She said: “The airport has just gone from strength to strength. It will certainly encourage more business in Southend – to go from Southend to London in such a short time will be good for the economy and the business.”

Denise Rossiter, the chief executive of Essex Chamber of Commerce, added: “It is great for the economy and great for Essex. Businesses will enjoy the fact they can get to London in ten minutes. It is a great service added to what is proving to be an already invaluable airport.”

With a comprehensive development and expansion programme well underway, Southend Airport also boasts facilities that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is 45 minutes away from London by train and less than an hour by road.