The Airport Operators Association welcomes the appointment of new Transport Secretary

The Airport Operators Association (AOA), which represents some 70 airport operators throughout the UK, has welcomed the appointment of the former Economic Secretary Justine Greening to her new position as Secretary of State for Transport. She replaces Philip Hammond, who has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence.

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the AOA, said;

'As a former Economic Secretary to the Treasury Justine Greening was briefed by the Airport Operators Association on the negative impact which Air Passenger Duty (APD) is having on the British tourism industry and on British industry generally. In her previous capacity she was always open to discussion, and I look forward to an ongoing dialogue with her in her new role as Transport Secretary.'

AOA Chairman Ed Anderson echoed the welcome for Greening. He said

‘As a former Treasury minister, Justine Greening knows that the economy needs to expand to pay down the deficit, and that connectivity is a vital element in encouraging inward investment. Equally, as a west London MP, she is well aware of the issues surrounding the expansion of airport capacity not only in the UK, but specifically in London & the South East too.’

The AOA is currently working with the Department for Transport on its aviation framework, and is lobbying government to phase out APD as aviation enters the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The UK currently has the highest level of aviation tax in the world.

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For further information, please contact:

Luke Law on 07827 931480 or lukelaw@aoa.org.uk .

Notes to Editors:

About the Airport Operators Association

Who we are:
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents UK airports.

What we do:
Our mission is to see UK airports grow sustainably. We represent the views of UK airports to Government, Parliament and Regulators to secure policy outcomes that help deliver our mission.

Who we represent:
The AOA represents some 70 UK airports and general aviation airfields in the UK. For more information, please visit www.aoa.org.uk .