News

Virgin claims public support for cutting APD

The majority of travellers support industry efforts to rein in Air Passenger Duty, a poll by Virgin Atlantic shows.


The study of 35,000 passengers and 1,500 Facebook followers found nine out of 10 believed APD rates, which add £240 to a family of four flying economy class to Florida, were already too high.


The main source of the findings come from a postcard survey launched earlier this month and emerged ahead of today’s deadline for consultation by the Treasury on reform of APD. The airline warned that Treasury proposals could see APD rise from £2 billion to £3 billion, hitting passengers in the pocket to the tune of £1 billion.


Chief commercial officer Julie Southern warned: “More than half of long-haul fliers say they will consider cutting their number of journeys if there were further APD rises.” She spoke as she led a band of red-uniformed cabin crew through Westminster to the Treasury hand in its response to the consultation.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.