The Echo's opening line that "Southend Airport is now at the same capacity as Luton..." was yet another example of their appalling editorial inaccuracy. What Glyn Jones actually said further down was "The work we are doing at the airport gives us enough capacity for 36 aircraft movements per hour. This is the same capacity as Luton".
As for the suggestion that easyJet did not mark the anniversary I think their commercial manager Neil Slaven's remarks refute that statement:
" ... the airline is pleased with how well Southend Airport is performing."
"Southend has become a really well established airport in the region."
"We are working with the airport to make it a success and are fully committed to achieving this."
"A lot of people said it wouldn't work, but we have proven them wrong."
Maybe the £3 million that Stobart are currently spending on rebuilding the aprons, stands and taxiways might be the stimulus that sees EZY increase its presence at SEN next year.