The Airport Operators Association’s (AOA) annual conference kicked off this morning as the UK government’s economic minister prepared to announce this year’s annual budget.
The AOA remarked on the opening of the conference: “The Airport Operators Association’s (AOA) Annual Conference opens today [Monday 29 October 2018] with a call on the Chancellor to seize the opportunity to cut Air Passenger Duty (APD) and get the UK Brexit-ready.”
Speaking on Air Passenger Duty (APD) specifically, the chairman of the association, Ed Anderson noted in his opening keynote, “how many more destinations could be unlocked” if APD was cut.
AOA, commenting on how the UK’s chancellor can provide answers to APD in its annual budget, the associated noted, “not only should the Chancellor take action on APD, the Government should ensure that Border Force has the necessary resources to deliver a secure but welcoming border, with dramatically shorter queues.”
“The Government’s planned Aviation Strategy will be a focal topic at the AOA Annual Conference, with a call from industry for the Strategy to give UK aviation the tools necessary to prepare and build for the future.
This includes a framework for sustainable aviation capacity growth and improved surface transport to airports.”
Chief Executive of the AOA, Karen Dee also said:“The UK aviation industry is working hard to deliver the services passengers want.
But we’re being hampered in our efforts by the anti-competitive Air Passenger Duty.
The Government should take urgent action in today’s Budget to ensure the UK has the direct aviation connectivity needed for our economy and our ambition to be a Global Britain.
“Cutting Air Passenger Duty in half to match Germany’s tax is one of the quickest ways to boost connectivity growth.
“The Aviation Strategy is a prime opportunity to take further action to provide aviation with a licence to grow, sustainably.
It should provide a framework that enables all UK airports, airlines and Border Force have the capacity to meet the growing demands of consumers and businesses alike.
“Action on APD together with a bold and forward-thinking Aviation Strategy will enable UK airports to create jobs, facilitate trade and boost economic growth across the UK.”
The AOA annual conference begins today and ends tomorrow, October 30 2018.
