THE MAIN four operators’ top players have written to the Financial Times to support plans for reducing Air Passenger Duty for children under 12.
Airtours chairman David Crossland, Thomas Cook chief executive John Donaldson, Thomson chief executive Charles Gurassa and First Choice chief executive Peter Long wrote on behalf of the Federation of Tour Operators.
The letter welcomes the return of £70m, made through APD, that chancellor Gordon Brown has promised and underlines it should be recouped in the form of a reduced APD for children.
Meanwhile, F-air Passenger Duty for All campaign chairman Richard Tobias has discounted accountant Jonathan Wall’s predictions that the APD would go up in the budget.
He said: “[The chancellor] stated very clearly he’s going to give back £70m.”
n See Columnists, page 13