Covid-19 updates

COVID-19 Update 77

Tuesday 7 July 2020

Dear AOA Member,

Ahead of tomorrow’s financial statement by the Chancellor there has been much speculation as to how much of a focus will be on infrastructure spending, with the suggestion that projects that will stimulate the economy for the next 12-18 months will be prioritised. Jobs are likely to be at the centre of his statement and trying to manage the crippling jobs losses that will be suffered by those sectors which have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. The AOA has asked for measures that will support as many jobs as possible and key skills in an industry like ours along with financial alleviation such as Business Rates Relief. We have already sent our asks to the Treasury ahead of the financial statement but whatever transpires the AOA is committed to lobbying the Government to help our industry to recover and thrive.

I have today written a joint letter with Airlines UK to ask for further clarification on the statutory review periods for the Travel Corridors announced by the Department for Transport on Friday. The letter highlights the current understanding that countries can only be added to the list of those that are exempted from quarantine measures at the 28-day review points, and no earlier. This contrasts with advice received previously that whilst a review period constituted the maximum time between a consideration of changes, this did not preclude changes in the interim, if the right conditions were met. I will keep you updated.

Finally, the latest edition of the Airport Operator, our magazine, is now available and can be found online here. There are some great pieces in this edition, reflecting the challenges and hard work of the aviation sector during this crisis.

Other items of note:

• A reminder to members that tomorrow AOA in collaboration with our Gold Member STARR Insurance Companies is holding a webcast on: Covid-19 Road to Recovery on Wednesday 8 July at 11 am. It will be an opportunity to discuss how you can better manage and mitigate risks with your business units, and introduce new operational and wellbeing measures as we now enter the restart and recovery phase at our airports. This webcast is for all members but it would be of particular interest to those who are working in Operations, Health and Safety and HR. If you require further information and wish to register your interest please email Tania Roca by 10:00am tomorrow morning.
• AOA attended the CAA’s bi-annual Financial Advisory Committee today. The meeting focused on the draft 2020/2021 budget and the CAA’s planned delivery of new activity on Brexit, Space, State of Design functions, General Aviation, and Airspace priorities.

Best wishes,

Karen Dee
Chief Executive