The government has taken “positive steps” on aviation and travel in its first weeks in office, say senior industry figures.
Transport secretary Louise Haigh addressed industry leaders at the Farnborough Airshow last week, with a source suggesting Haigh “was very well-briefed”.
She insisted the government is committed to “helping aviation grow sustainably” and “to delivering the sustainable aviation fuel [SAF] mandate”, saying: “Without sectors like aviation, we can’t achieve economic growth.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The early signs are they’re committed to our sector and to aviation and realise it’s important to the economic future of the country. They’re committed to a low-carbon future and want to engage.
“More broadly, there is a chance to reset our relationship with Europe, which is welcome. There are areas where we need closer cooperation. These are positive signals.”
A leading aviation source described the government’s moves on SAF as “positive”, noting: “Labour has said it will support industry efforts to drive efficiency and sustainability. We’re in a fairly good place.”
Former shadow aviation spokesperson Mike Kane is now aviation minister, with the source saying: “It’s good to have someone in post who knows the industry.”
A second source noted: “We’re not having to educate people from scratch. It has all been positive in the first few weeks. They’ve made a real effort to engage.”
The King’s Speech on July 17 made clear the Department for Transport’s focus will be on the rail and bus sectors. But a source said: “Aviation is in a strong place. We only need their attention at the margins.”
Sir Chris Bryant MP was confirmed as tourism minister late last week, but the sector will be just one of his multiple responsibilities.
As well as being minister for creative industries, arts and tourism at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, he is also minister for data protection and telecoms at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The latter role includes responsibility for digital infrastructure, data protection, the Information Commissioner’s Office and the UK Space Agency.