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Bdaily readers support reduction in Air Passenger Duty

A poll has shown that over three quarters of bdaily readers support a reduction in Air Passenger Duty for the regions two airports.

We asked whether a government decision to reduce air passenger duty would have a positive impact on the North East airports and the wider regional economy, an overwhelming 76% voted “yes”.

Last month George Osborne made the decision to reduce air passenger duty on long haul flights from Belfast Airport to New York, after Continental Airlines expressed fears that it would be forced to cease the service. The flight is the airports last remaining transatlantic link.

Newcastle Airport have already lobbied the government for radical changes to aviation tax, outlining how the devolution of APD to administrations would affect the North East.

Dave Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted with the result of this poll. We have long argued that Air Passenger Duty (APD) has a disproportionate impact on the regions, including those that rely on crucial lifeline air services.

“Behind the scenes at Newcastle Airport, we are working hard to fight the North East’s corner and influence government policy so that both the region’s and the airport’s future are protected.

So far this year, the government has consulted on the reform of Air Passenger Duty, the proposed High Speed Rail project, and it will carry out a review of aviation policy.

The next few months of policy making will be critical in setting the future direction for several years to come, and with many big players in the debate – airports, airlines – it is important we shout as loud as we can. It’s fantastic that the North East business community is behind us.“

<!—EndFragment—>Andrew Sugden, director of policy and membership for the North East Chamber of Commerce commented: “This is further evidence that businesses in the North east recognise the need for a fairer deal for the regions airports.

“Businesses recognise the opportunities presented by our two airports as essential elements to drive economic growth.”

David Laws added: “If the Government is serious about truly rebalancing the economy, then decisive action is needed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .