in brief

in brief

&#42 springboard names three new trustees

Travel Weekly managing director Trevor Harding has become a trustee of the Tourism and Hospitality Education Trust. Bmi british midland chief operatingofficer James Hogan and Champneys chief executive Lord John Thurso havealso been appointed. The trust is the parent bodyof Springboard UK, anot-for-profit organisation that aims to promote recruitment to the leisure, hospitality, travel and tourism industries.

&#42 APD level halved on highlands flights

Air Passenger Duty on economy-class flights within Europe will be halved from £10 to £5 from today. All flights from the Scottish Highlands and Islands will now be exempt from duty. APD on economy flights outside Europe remains at £20, but the duty is doubled for premium fare passengers travelling beyond Europe.

&#42 OFT green light for manchester purchases

Manchester Airport has completed its purchase of East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports for £241 million after gaining approval from the Officeof Fair Trading. Manchester Airport now controls five runways at four UK airports.

&#42 airtours set to make £28m profit

Airtours will make a £28 million profit from the sale and lease back of seven of its Spanish hotels. The move is part of its policy to retain long-term access to accommodation while freeing up capital to invest elsewhere in the group. Three of the hotels are in Majorca, two in the Canaries, one in Minorca and one in Malaga.