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Aviation groups call for APD suspension

Aviation groups have urged the Chancellor to suspend APD and push through a review of the tax, according to reports.

Sky News said four groups had written to Rishi Sunak asking for a suspension of APD for “at least six months” and calling for the acceleration of a review promised earlier the year as Flybe battled for survival.

The letter, signed by Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association, the Board of Airline Representatives and Iata, said a suspension would “stimulate demand, supporting not only the recovery of a competitive UK aviation industry, but also the regional tourism, investment and employment opportunities aviation brings to communities across the UK”.

The letter added: “APD is one of the key levers available to the Treasury by which it can re-establish the critical connectivity on which the UK economy and aviation sector depends.

“This is to the benefit of not only tourism and hospitality operators, but also critical supply chains and manufacturers who rely on vital bellyhold capacity for imports and exports of goods.”

The aviation sector has been crippled by the coronavirus lockdown, with swathes of cost-saving measures and job cuts announced by airlines including British Airways and easyJet.

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