ICAO Code | EGMC/SEN |
Last Validated | Mar 2013 |
City | Southend-on-Sea |
Position | 51°34'17"N 000°41'44"E |
Runway(s) | 06-24 |
Elevation | 49 ft |
Once, Southend-on-Sea had a very active airport that played a major role in transporting people and cargo between the UK and continental Europe. The older aviation enthusiasts probably still remember the British Air Ferries Carvairs! However, many other airlines used to fly from Southend with types like Vickers Viscounts, Handley Page Heralds and Bristol Freighters.
Most activity nowadays is from the maintenance and painting companies, and of course the local flying clubs. Air Livery has two painting bays next to Lasham ATC. They spray any aircraft types up to Boeing 757 size, being restricted by the runway length and the climb-out path (there is a church rather inconveniently located southwest of the airport). However, with the recent runway lengthening these problems may have become something of the past. Other maintenance is performed by RFS (in the Air Livery hangar) and World Aviation Support, that took over the facilities of British World Airlines in the northwest corner of the airport.
Although more daily activity has come to Southend, the aircraft coming here for painting and/or maintenance still remain the most interesting aircraft. Some are stored here for a shorter or longer period. This always makes Southend worth a detour.
Southend-on-Sea is an airfield with just one runway with the several branches nicely spread over the location. The main terminal is situated just southeast of the runway. On the map it is clearly recognisable with the large apron in front of it. In the east of the airfield is the general aviation located, while in the west-northwest, opposite of the runway, the aircraft maintenance is situated. The old disused runway, that crosses, the current runway is now mainly used for storage of aircraft.
By car
Most visitors with a car will probably arrive via the A127 from London. Just follow the signs to the terminal and use the map to get to the other vantage points.
By public transport
With the construction of the new terminal, a train station was also built on the line along the eastern perimeter of the airport. This connects the airport with London's Liverpool Street Station. In addition, several busses from Southend Central Station and Southend Victoria Station pass the terminal.
Spot 3 is excellent for taxiing aircraft. (Paul Crawley - CP Aviation Photography)
127.725 | Tower |
130.775 | Approach |
128.950 | Southend Radar/Approach (standby freq for air show) |
136.050 | ATIS |
'G-FIRE' (ex 5N-HHH) | BAe111-401AK At fire dump |
G-VJET (ex XL426) | Vulcan B2 |
SC5 Belfast G-BEPS was broken up oct08. |
London Southend Airport | The official website of Southend Airport. |
The Vulcan Restoration Trust | The official website of the enthusiasts restoring the Avro Vulcan XL426. |
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