A fresh call for the abolition of Air Passenger Duty forms part of a six-pronged ‘election manifesto’ put forward by airlines.
Brexit and airport capacity are also among the top of the list of priorities put forward by trade body Airlines UK ahead of next month’s general election.
Action to make it a criminal offence for passengers to consume their own alcohol on aircraft to cut down on air rage is part of the six manifesto ‘asks’, as reported yesterday by Travel Weekly.
The industry association wants to see APD abolished in the next Parliament. This would “transform the UK’s international competitiveness, boost trade and support tourism” as well as ensuring that reductions in the air tax in Scotland do not cause competitive distortions in other parts of the UK.
The new government must ensure that Brexit negotiations safeguard EU, US and international market access for airlines for when the UK leaves the European Union.
There must also be continued commitment to a third runway at Heathrow “at reasonable cost” together with a policy framework that supports growth in aviation at other UK airports through airspace modernisation, surface access improvements and operational changes that enhance resilience.
The UK Border Force should be given the resources it needs to deliver a safe and secure border “while meeting passenger and airline expectations for queue times and customer service” while the competitiveness of UK visa system needs improving in countries like China and India.
Deliver legislation for including all sustainable aviation fuel producers in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. Provide
A clear long-term policy to encourage UK sustainable aviation fuel production is also required from the new government after the June 8 election.
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said: “UK aviation is uniquely placed to deliver the government’s vision of a global, outward looking Britain.
“Airlines – whether full service, low-cost, charter or freight – play a key role as economic enablers of GDP, connecting all regions of the UK to countries across the world, including many of the important economies that, post-Brexit, the UK will be seeking closer ties with.
“However, there are obstacles to maximising this opportunity and it is in these areas that we ask ministers to work with us in the next Parliament.”
He addd: “Brexit will continue to be an area of major interest, with aviation providing important economic connections that must continue once the UK leaves the EU.
“We look forward to the EU and UK reaching an agreement as soon as possible that allows consumers and businesses from all European countries to continue to travel to and from the UK and around Europe just as they do today.
“The airline community will continue to support expansion at Heathrow, provided it is delivered at a reasonable cost with charges reducing over time with increased movements.
“Airlines are clear that the cost of expansion they and their customers pay for is a key factor. We need the right scheme at the right price, at the right time, to meet the needs of passengers.
“That said, with a new runway not expected to be operational for many years the government needs to take steps to encourage airlines to develop new routes from other airports. This means encouraging free and open competition and not picking winners for expansion.
“Surface access improvements, reductions to APD, airspace modernisation and operational changes that enhance resilience will help to widen catchment areas and make more routes viable.”