Tui is joining the government’s Aviation Council as the forum meets today (Monday) to consider “vital reforms” for the sector.
The operator becomes a member at the fourth meeting of the group, established to deliver the government’s long-term aviation strategy over the next ten years.
Tui joins Jet2 and other airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic on the body which also involves Abta, Iata, Airlines UK, Baruk, Air Operators Association, Civil Aviation Authority, air traffic control group Nats and various airports as members.
Ryanair quit the council in July, criticising it as “talking shop” and a “complete waste of time”.
However, the council said today that a key area of its work to improve the sector is airspace modernisation which will deliver new and efficient planning that will help reduce aviation emissions.
“In addition, progress continues to be made towards reforming the current slot system, so that it helps maintain a competitive and environmentally conscious aviation industry which will provide more reliability and competition for passengers to choose from,” a statement from the Department from Transport said.
The DfT went on to claim “considerable progress” since the last meeting in July in reducing the barriers for entry into the aviation sector and enhancing the use of apprenticeships.
This has opened up routes for young people to join an industry that may have previously seemed inaccessible.
The progress will be supported by Tui’s addition to the council, championing its own multi-crew pilot licence cadet programme.
Aviation minister Baroness Vere said: “The UK aviation sector is one of the most competitive in the world and is a significant contributor to growth and jobs both domestically and internationally, so it’s vital the Aviation Council collaborates to help to build on that sustainably.
“We will continue to push the UK aviation industry forward as we welcome newest member Tui which has a strong record of delivering jobs and skills, bolstering the UK’s aviation workforce for the future.”
Tui Group chief airline officer Marco Ciomperlik added: “Tui offers top quality holidays to over six million British customers each year and Tui Airways has a unique position in UK aviation by flying from 22 UK airports to over 80 destinations with over 60 aircraft.
“We are delighted to contribute to the Aviation Council to help drive progress on vital issues that will deliver more for passengers and create new job opportunities in our dynamic industry.”