A4E, AEA, ELFAA, ERA, IACA and IATA criticise proposed Norwegian air tax
Airlines for Europe Association (A4E) MD Thomas Reynaer, Association of European Airlines (AEA) CEO Athar Husain‐Khan, European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) secretary general John Hanlon, European Regions Airlines Association (ERA) director general Simon McNamara, International Air Carrier Association (IACA) director general Sylviane Lust and IATA regional VP Europe Rafael Schvartzman, in a letter to Norway's Minister of Finance Siv Jensen and Minister of Transport and Communications Ketil Solvik - Olse, reiterated (24-May-2016) their "strong opposition" to the decision of the Norwegian Government to implement the Air Passenger Tax as from 01-Jun-2016. They said: "It is distressing that the Norwegian authorities have decided to go forward with their intention to implement the tax, irrespective of the overwhelmingly negative feedback received during the consultation process". The associations claimed: "The tax will have a negative impact on the Norwegian economy and will negatively impact its future growth , employment and competitiveness", with a forecast reduction of around 1.28 million passengers p/a. They added: "Instead of preventing economic growth and job creation by imposing unreasonable taxes, European governments should create a supportive regulatory environment... Unavoidably, the proposed tax will lead to fewer operators in the Norwegian aviation market and reduced competition." [more - original PR]