Aircraft will now be able to push back and taxi to the centralised facility for de-icing instead of being de-iced on the stand. Engines can remain running during the de-icing operation and the aircraft can taxi for take-off immediately afterwards.
Southend airport hopes the new process will enable aircraft to be de-iced more quickly and efficiently, assiting with on time departures. In addition, the glycol sprayed is captured by the pad’s drainage and can be taken for specialist treatment before being safely disposed of.
Glyn Jones, CEO of Southend airport Stobart Aviation, said: "This new de-icing facility is another example of London Southend leading the way within the aviation industry, using innovative, brand new technology to provide a much better airport experience for our partners and passengers.
"For both travellers and airlines there is nothing more frustrating than bad weather leading to delays, so we've invented a solution to try and minimise that," he added.
Pilot for easyJet, Captain Chris Foster, also commented on the recent installation. “The innovative new technology will assist us in delivering even greater efficiencies, which ultimately mean we can improve our passengers’ experience when flying with us,” he said. “The new facility has the potential to help us further improve our already industry-leading on time performance, getting passengers flying with us from London Southend in to the air and on to on their destinations quickly and safely.”
