In life (for me) timing is everything. Sometimes that's accidental, sometimes not. Ryanair only took delivery of their first 738 sfp in May last year. Now, I think I can say without contridiction that FR did not order this variant in order that they could operate from SEN. So some smartie saw an opportunity for the airport / airline at a time that was right - essential I'd say for the former. Whoever that individual was..... well done sir / madam. For Southend the future is bright, the future's orange and saffron / metallic blue.