Further good news for SEN.
The new MD, Alastair Welch, seems to be making his presence felt if his plans as outlined in the Evening Echo come to fruition.
Work is expected to begin shortly on the airport railway station, as discussions with Network Rail are at "an advanced stage", with a planned opening date of Spring 2009. AW is quoted as saying that the station is a vital element of SEN's development and that is has proven very difficult to attract new airlines without that facility.
The existing terminal will be "revamped" with additional facilities and this work will be completed by Summer 2008.
Negotiations with the CAA for the construction of a new control tower are also reportedly "nearly complete" and he indicates that he hoped construction would be completed by Spring 2009.
The Ramada airport hotel is expected to be completed and open by Christmas 2008.
Also, for the first time to my knowledge, he spoke of a possible runway extension without the need for the removal of Eastwoodbury Church and that this will be investigated through the new joint partnership of RAL, Southend Council and Rochford District Council.
All in all the most promising statements that have been made for a long time with some definite timescales stated and it does seem that RAL are prepared to finance the real improvements needed. As ever of course, time will tell.