Covid-19 updates

COVID-19 Update 60

Friday 12 June 2020

Dear AOA Member,

Media attention on the quarantine policy continued today, with a group of airlines officially filing for Judicial Review with the High Court. AOA has continued its lobbying efforts, liaising today with colleagues in the CBI, airports and the wider industry to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the impact of the policy and of alternative solutions to protect public health.

Grant Shapps hosted the daily Government Press Conference this evening and announced the creation of a “Jet Zero Council” between the aviation industry, Government and environmental groups to work toward net zero flights. As part of this announcement, the Government committed to providing a sustainable aviation fuels plant with funding, helping to kick-start a UK industry producing the fuel. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) have been identified as a crucial way to bridge the gap between the current and next-generation of aircraft models, reducing emissions in the former, until the latter reach the market. The AOA responded to the announcement in the following press statement.

For over the weekend, we are also expecting the Transport Select Committee’s report on the impact of COVID-19 to be published on Saturday. Due to be highlighted in the findings of the report are the use, or misuse, of the job retention scheme by the transport sector, criticism of the quarantine policy and a call for Government to put in place a clear strategy for the economic recovery post-COVID-19.

As airports and the sector have, as a result of quarantine, slightly longer to prepare for an operational restart and the return of substantial air traffic, members may wish to view our Products and Solutions page which has had a few new additions this week.

Best wishes,

Karen Dee
Chief Executive