BAA calls on UK Government to cut air passenger duty

UK's BAA called (14-Dec-2010) on the UK Government to cut aviation tax after the Irish Government announced a 70% reduction to its air passenger duty (APD) to support tourism. The move follows similar changes in Amsterdam where the tax was cut completely in 2009. According to BAA, the UK now has the highest levels of aviation taxation in the world. [more]

BAA: "The Irish recognise that aviation is fundamental to their recovery and this is very much something ministers in the UK need to take note of. We must stop treating air travel as if it's a luxury we can do without and appreciate the very real contribution it makes to the economy. Around 250,000 UK jobs rely on aviation - with 40,000 being created by our new Terminal 2 - but strong links are vital for all businesses. David Cameron is doing great work in building business ties with China and India but the UK currently has the highest aviation taxes in the world. The government needs to ensure we are not making ourselves uncompetitive with punitive tax measures that will damage us in the long-term," Nigel Milton, London Heathrow Airport Policy Director. Source: BAA, 14-Dec-2010.