MORE than 100 new jobs will be created at Southend Airport this year in line with the airport’s continued growth and expansion.

The airport now boasts more than 40 routes and is achieving in the region of 2.3 million passengers a year.

This growth, coupled with a significant demand for new roles within the airports logistics and freight facility, has led to an increased demand for additional people to work across a variety of teams.

The call for more jobs comes months after the airport launched a new partnership with a “global logistics firm” – heavily believed to be Amazon – to fly night time cargo flights.

The airport is keen to see jobs go to those living in the area, to boost the “local and regional economy”.

Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, said: “We are delighted to announce the need for such a high number of jobs this year.

“It is great to know the benefit that this will bring to the local community, who we are proud to support, with a variety of career opportunities available to suit many different skillsets.

“We will be looking for people to work across logistics, customer service and operations.

“2020 is set to be another year of rapid growth for our award-winning airport thanks to our great partnerships, hassle-free rail links and excellent customer service.

“We look forward to welcoming new people this year to join our ever-expanding team.”

Last year, Southend Airport held a recruitment day attended by over 850 people, helping the airport to recruit over 200 people.

Further recruitment days like this are planned for 2020, in line with the airport’s fast pace of growth.

These events aim to highlight the airport’s relationship with the surrounding community and the opportunities that it provides.

The airport has a track record of employing more than 80 per cent of its workforce from the Essex region.

The airport’s latest partnership, with Widerøe, will see flights launched on March 29 to Kristiansand, Norway

The airport is aiming to secure 20 million passengers per year, in the long term, but has set the immediate target of securing five million passengers per year by 2023.

Plans are being proposed to upgrade the runway at Southend, as well as improve terminals.