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8-Nov-2012 4:23 PM

Ireland Air Passenger Duty reduced to zero on long-haul flights from Jan-2013

Northern Ireland Stormont Assembly abolished (07-Nov-2012) Air Passenger Duty (APD) on long-haul services from Jan-2013. Northern Ireland's Finance Minister Sammy Wilson welcomed the abolishment as the Final Stage of the Air Passenger Duty Bill was passed in the Assembly on 06-Nov-2012 meaning that Air Passenger Duty on direct long haul flights departing from Northern Ireland airports will be reduced to zero with effect from Jan-2013. Welcoming the decision, the Minister said: "The Executive committed in the Programme for Government to reduce the Air Passenger Duty for direct long haul flights to zero. The legislation passed today delivers on this commitment and is good news for our economy in these challenging financial times.... Abolishing Air Passenger Duty on long haul flights will help to protect and improve our international air access and ensure the competitiveness of our airports." Belfast International Airport MD John Doran said: "Given the increasing differential with regard to direct long haul Air Passenger Duty levels between the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the very specific problems which this caused for Northern Ireland connectivity, we are grateful to the Northern Ireland Executive and HM Treasury that decisive action has been taken. As the International Airport we now look forward with renewed vigour to building upon the success of our direct US air links, as well as reaching out into key additional long haul markets in Canada and the eastern hemisphere, in partnership with the investment and tourism authorities." [more - original PR]

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