London City Airport year could be absorbed by other airports which are currently under capacity. However, this plan was proposed when London City Airport was for sale. In February 2016 the airport was bought by a Canadian-led consortium, making redevelopment less likely. Additionally, the political weight behind air space in the south east would make it less likely still, with the government having approved the controversial expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the third runway. Owing to its proximity to London's Docklands and financial district its main users are business travellers, but the number of leisure destinations served (like Palma de Mallorca, Malaga or
London Southend Airport working at the airport in summer 2012 compared with summer 2011. The airport has been used extensively by British Airways Cityflyer in order to train pilots on their Embraer fleet. Southend Airport has a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Ordinary Licence that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (London Southend Airport Company Limited). Southend Airport has an excellent weather record and is used by airlines as a diversion alternative when adverse weather or incidents close other London airports. Airline ground handling is provided by the Stobart Group owned Stobart Aviation