Stobart Aviation has appointed two aviation industry specialists to spearhead its operations

Stobart Aviation – which operates London Southend Airport and also Carlisle Lake District Airport – has appointed two aviation industry specialists to spearhead its operations.

Glyn Jones has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Stobart Aviation and Jon Horne as Chief Operating Officer, with effect from 1 September 2015. Both bring a wealth of experience of the aviation and logistics industries to their new roles.

Glyn Jones has worked in a number of senior roles, including Managing Director at both Luton and Bournemouth Airports, as well as Palletline, and Commercial Director at DHL International. Glyn said “The opportunity to lead Stobart Aviation to the next stage of its development is really exciting. I’m looking forward to working with Jon and the team, who have already done a great job, to drive our business forward and, especially, to see London Southend Airport continue growing into something very special.”

Jon Horne first started working in the aviation industry in 1973 as an Air Traffic Control Assistant and has remained within the industry ever since. Rising through the ranks, he was the Chief Executive of Cardiff International Airport prior to joining the Stobart Group’s London Southend operation in March 2015 as Interim Managing Director. Jon said “In the short time I have been at London Southend Airport it is clear to me that the potential is tremendous and I am excited at the opportunity it represents. With Glyn joining the team I am looking forward to working together to realise that potential.”

Over £120 million has been invested in London Southend Airport by owner Stobart Group since it was acquired in 2008. New facilities include a station adjacent to the terminal on the London Liverpool Street line, an Air Traffic Control Tower, radar, terminal building, runway extension and a 4-star Holiday Inn. ‘Simply Easier’ London Southend Airport was voted Which? Magazine ‘Best Airport in Britain’ in both 2013 and 2014.

Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler said “I’m confident Glyn has the talent, energy and experience to secure our progress for years to come. Jon brings his already proven technical knowledge, expertise and approachability to work in partnership with Glyn.”

He added “I see the success of London Southend Airport as a key part of our growth strategy and I firmly believe the combined skills of Glyn and Jon, alongside the existing team, will provide the platform to achieve our ambition. The airport has gone from strength to strength over the past three years since we commenced passenger operations and we are now well set to build on our current 1 million passengers per annum.”