ABTA calls for APD to be scrapped :: 30/03/2009 :: Airport Parking News
The government is being urged to follow the example of the Netherlands example.
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ABTA calls for APD to be scrapped
Monday, 30th March 2009
According to the ABTA, with the current recession in the UK, the Air Passenger Duty (APD) will “exacerbate the problems already being encountered by the aviation and tourist industries with significant falls in passenger numbers.”
As part of its economic support plan, the Netherlands government will be scrapping its airport tax, hoping that it will encourage airlines to bypass UK airports, re-routing to airports in Holland instead. If this occurs, it would further damage the economy of the UK, the ABTA has asserted.
Flybe does not believe that the UK government will not eliminate the APD, and is calling instead for the planned increase in November to be abandoned.
Officials at the airline reportedly wrote to Chancellor Alastair Darling calling urging that the November rise be postponed.
Mike Rutter, the airline’s chief commercial officer, commented: “Flybe is not innocent enough to think that the UK government will follow the Dutch lead and abolish APD but we certainly think there is a case for them to put on ice the planned November rise in APD. “
He added: “Such a move would be a tangible stimulus to the British economy and send out a very clear message that the government cares about industries other than just the banking sector.”
← British Airways announces summer schedule changes
→ Atlantic Southeast ground 60 jets for inspection
↑ March 2009 news index
