UK Government most anti-aviation administration in history: BATA

British Air Transport Association CEO Simon Buck accused the UK Government of being the most anti-aviation administration in history, due to its plans to increase the Air Passenger Duty and block airport expansion (Travel Trade Gazette, 04-Oct-2010). According to Mr Buck, the government will raise more funds from the APD than from its levy on banks.

British Air Transport Association: "At least the previous government recognised the need to meet the growing demand for aviation by creating extra capacity in the south-east. But all we have seen from this government on that issue and many others is a flat 'no' … The bank levy will raise about GBP1.2 billion in 2011-12, but APD will raise GBP2.9 billion, twice as much. The government has to answer how that can be justified," Simon Buck, CEO. Source: Travel Trade Gazette, 04-Oct-2010.