SPAA hopes APD reform is ‘first step towards a real reduction’

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.”