Trade urged to back aviation inquiry

The Airport Operators Association has submitted its response to the Aviation All Party Parliamentary Group’s probe into the competitiveness of the UK aviation sector.

And the chairman of the group called on the travel sector to make written submissions “to help contribute to one of the most important debates in UK policy-making”.

With less than a week to go until the May 16 deadline, Brian Donohoe MP said the industry could find out more information about the terms of the Inquiry and submit responses to MHP, the group’s secretariat, at aviationappg@mhpc.com.

Donohoe said: “We want to hear from the widest possible group of experts from within the aviation sector and beyond.

“From airlines and airports, environmental groups, trade associations, think tanks, academics and individuals: I would encourage everyone with a view on how the UK can maintain our competitiveness in global aviation to get in touch and let us know your thoughts.

“What’s more, to encourage submissions and make responding as accessible and simple as possible, we have stipulated that responses must be no longer than two pages.

“We cannot do our job without the involvement of expert opinion, and we’re relying on those people who work in the sector to help contribute to one of the most important debates in UK policy-making. So please get in touch and let us know your thoughts.”

The AOA highlights in its submission:

• The detrimental impact to the UK economy of having the highest aviation taxes on the world, and the need for the Treasury to undertake independent analysis of the economic impacts of APD, not just on the aviation sector but the UK economy as a whole;
  
• The economic benefits of the aviation sector; highlighting the lack of coherent aviation policy and its long term damage to the UK economy to compete in new and existing markets; and
  
• The work being undertaken, collaboratively by the industry, to make aviation cleaner, quieter and smarter.

AOA chief executive Darren Caplan said: “We are keen to submit evidence to this important parliamentary inquiry.

“The delay to publishing the Sustainable Framework for UK Aviation first draft and the ‘call for evidence’ on hub capacity means it is well placed to help shape the government’s current thinking.

“UK plc depends on aviation as crucial infrastructure providing the regional, national and international connectivity essential for a successful trading nation such as ours.

“At a time when eurozone economies are slowing, we need to maintain and increase our connectivity to growing economies worldwide. We have made all of these points in our submission.”