Those 12 airlines will also be talking to other airports. It might or might not be their plan B, C or D to use Southend if they can't get their first or second choice but as other airports all seem to somehow squeeze in extra flights to the detriment of fellow passengers there is no certainty that Southend will gain new business.
Also worth noting that City Airport now has the backing of the new Mayor to expand its airport.
Have to agree that it is hard to believe that Southend is struggling to attract new routes and airlines when it has the best passenger experience once they have arrived at the airport. I still think Southend physical location and the fact it feels like it is inside the middle of a town with no direct motorway link does not help its cause.
Quote from above link
Passenger numbers at its London Southend Airport were lower than previous years due to the terror concern, but the drop was expected.
What a load of rubbish, seeing that it has affected no other London airport.