easyJet to sponsor 2012 Southend Air Festival

Around half a million people are expected to attend this year's popular Air Festival which will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May 2012.

Hugh Aitken, easyJet's Commercial Manager, said: "easyJet is delighted to be the lead sponsor of this year's Southend Air Festival - it is a unique event which really showcases what the town has to offer.

"London Southend Airport is easyJet's newest UK base and, as a local airline and employer, we can't think of a better way to start our partnership with Southend than by supporting its most famous event."

As part of the sponsorship deal easyJet will ensure that it publicises the air show to millions of its passengers and will be supporting the event onboard and through its social media channels.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Derek Jarvis, said: "We are preparing a very special year of events in 2012 with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee both being celebrated here.

"The Air Festival really does launch our summer season and its timing just before the Queen's special celebrations, means we can give our many visitors a taste of the months of festivities and events ahead."

The first in the season of air shows, visitors to this year's Southend Air Festival will enjoy the aerial delights of vintage, fast and military aircraft whilst also enjoying one of the country's favourite destinations.

The Air Festival will bring Southend's revitalised new seafront to life with fun for all the family on both Saturday and Sunday with ground attractions, entertainment, music, food and fun.

With fun parks, public fountains, museums, galleries and of course the longest pleasure pier in the world, Southend really shines over Air Festival weekend.

easyJet's inaugural flight from London Southend Airport will take off on the 2 April 2012, with routes available to Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Jersey, Majorca and Malaga with prices starting from £24.99 (one-way including taxes).

Seventy easyJet flights per week will take off from London Southend, making it the ideal gateway for both business and leisure travel across Europe .