Stobart is by far the largest shareholder in Aer Arann and has only one route to Southend to show for their investment after the disaster of moving the Waterford service across London.
So who is pulling the strings here to set up a Southend base? Stobart who are desperate for more passengers at their airport or the management team at Aer Arann?
Would Aer Arrann be even thinking of a base at Southend if it wasn't for the pressure they are no doubt under from their largest shareholder?