Airport Operators Association Media Release
For immediate release - 12 August 2010
SUPPORT FOR TOURISM INCOMPATIBLE WITH HIGHEST FLIGHT TAXES IN EUROPE SAY AIRPORT OPERATORS UK
- Airports welcome recognition of the importance of tourism to the UK
- Support for tourism is incompatible with highest aviation taxes in Europe says AOA chairman
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech today on tourism, Ed Anderson, Chairman of the Airport Operators Association, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition of the importance of tourism to the UK. Almost 30 million people visited the UK last year and the vast majority of them arrived at our airports.”
“The Prime Minister wants the UK to be one of the top five global tourism destinations. This ambition is less likely to be achieved with the UK’s high taxes on aviation. High flight taxes are a barrier to tourism, making the UK a more expensive destination than our competitors.
“The aim is for Britain to increase its share of the Chinese tourism market from 0.5% to 2.5%. But From November this year the tax on a flight from the UK to China will rise to £85; up from £40 in 2007.
“The Prime Minister says that this will be a government that understands the huge potential of our tourism industry. These words should be matched with action.
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Notes to Editors:
- The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents the interests of British airports. Our membership comprises 72 airport companies, representing all of the nation's international hub and major regional airports in addition to many serving community, business and general aviation.
- APD increases 2009/10:
Band A 0-2000 miles
2008 rate: £10.00
November 2009: £11.00
November 2010: £12.00
Percentage change 08-10: 20%
Band C 4-6000 miles
2008 rate: £40.00
November 2009: £50.00
November 2010: £75.00
Percentage change 08-10: 88%
Band B 2-4000 miles
2008 rate: £40.00
November 2009: £45.00
November 2010: £60.00
Percentage change 08-10: 50%Band D 6000 miles
2008 rate: £40.00
November 2009: £55.00
November 2010: £85.00
Percentage change 08-10: 113% - The economic impact of the 2009/10 rises in APD, has been calculated as part of a study by Oxera Consulting Ltd. for the AOA. The full report is available online at: What is the contribution of aviation to the UK economy?
- For further information, and for media requests, please contact Rob Siddall (Chief Executive) – 07795 277844; or Ed Anderson (Chairman) - 07711 837717