An agents leader in Scotland gave a cautious welcome to Air Passenger Duty reform but echoed other industry voices in expressing concern that the overall level of the air tax has not been reduced.
Scottish Passenger Agents Association president Jimmy Martin said: “It’s a welcome first step, and a sign that the government can listen when it’s motivated – or feels pressured – to do so.
“We hope it will be followed – before the next election – by a significant reduction in the high levels of APD currently levied on every UK air traveller.
“Yes, it will encourage inbound and outbound tourism for long-haul destinations, but it doesn’t help leisure and business travellers on – for example – short-haul or transatlantic flights, many of them hard-pressed families taking a well-earned holiday abroad.”
Martin added: “So, we’re happy with the relief this change will bring to long-haul travellers – and the potential benefits that the break offered to smaller airports in Scotland hosting new routes might bring – but we still believe the government should be bringing some much-needed respite to all APD payers – short and medium-haul, as well as long-haul.
“If this move by the Chancellor is to be really meaningful, it can only be so as a first step towards a real reduction in APD across the board – one that doesn’t exclude such a large section of air passengers.
“That’s what we’ll be continuing to fight hard for, in association with our Fair Tax On Flying campaign partners.”