The tax on aircraft to replace Air Passenger Duty has been welcomed by TUI Travel UK managing director Dermot Blastland.
Blastland, who has been at the forefront of taking responsibility for environmental issues, told Travel Weekly: “We can’t argue with it. We just want it worked out properly.
“I’m happy provided it penalises inefficient aircraft and is relevant to the route. There is a suggestion we may have to present a flight plan for the year and we don’t mind if we do. We agree with the principle that the polluter pays.”
The tax will relate to emissions – based on the type and age of aircraft and length of routes – and replace Air Passenger Duty from November 2009, although the details have yet to be worked out.
Blastland downplayed industry demands that the tax revenue be spent on environmental projects. “Clearly it is a source of general revenue,” he said. “Just don’t wrap it in green principles and sell it as a green tax.”
Instead, he criticised the Government for not doing more to tackle climate change.
“This is a pin prick on tackling UK CO2 emissions. There is no coherent CO2-reduction tax strategy,” he said.