Stobart Executive Handling at London Southend airport (LSA) has carried out a time trial to prove itself as a convenient business jet centre for the UK capital.

A Range Rover and Jaguar XJ were the test cars and Canary Wharf, one of London's two financial districts, the starting point. The Range Rover travelled to Luton airport before returning to its starting point for a second trip to Biggin Hill airport, while the Jaguar headed for Farnborough airport and then back to Canary Wharf before its second journey to London Southend.

The rules of the challenge dictated that both cars had to observe speed restrictions and limits while heading to London's business airports, with independent photographers on board capturing details of the route.

The trip to London Southend took 55 minutes, tying in first place with London Luton airport. The journey to Biggin took 61 minutes and Farnborough took one hour and 40 minutes.

LSA head of customer service Hannah Lo Bao remarks: “This has been a great bit of fun, but it also makes a serious point as it banishes the misconception that London Southend is a long way out of the city; this proves that we are not.

“The executive handling facility at London Southend is the smart business option as we can offer so much more than other outer London airports, including 24-hour operations, no slots, direct ramp access, better departure and arrival routes, reduced flight time and reduced fuel burn. It is 16 minutes by helicopter to central London and we have a train station on site with up to eight trains per hour to Liverpool Street in 53 minutes. We believe it is a winner all round.”

Southend has short aircraft taxi times and avoids congested London airspace. Its average car-to-airborne time is five minutes.