Transport minister Simon Burns today pledged to continue working with Abta over revamping Atol protection and aviation policy.
His comments followed a meeting with the Abta board – one of the first made to an industry body since taking up his position in September’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Abta highlighted the need to bring airlines into the Atol scheme; the shape and level of Air Passenger Duty and government plans to address concerns on UK airport capacity while emphasising the importance of leisure travel as part of the UK’s aviation mix.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The minister has taken up his role at an absolutely critical time.
“The need for a comprehensive solution to the aviation capacity constraints hindering UK growth has never been more pressing. There is also much work to be done to create a fair and clear Atol scheme. The Civil Aviation Bill, which will become law soon, gives this government a unique opportunity to achieve this.
“The minister was keen to listen to and understand the industry’s most pressing concerns and we will continue to lobby him to ensure a successful and sustainable UK travel and tourism industry.”
Burns MP described the meeting as “constructive and informative”.
He said: “The UK is currently one of the best connected countries in the world. Our airport network provides UK citizens and business with the international connections they need to trade, to visit friends and family and to go on holiday, and it is right that the passenger is at the heart of our aviation policy.
“We will therefore continue to work with Abta and other key stakeholders as we modernise the Atol scheme and develop a sustainable aviation policy that supports economic growth while reflecting the environmental impacts of flying.”