Airlines unite to push scrapping APD
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UK airlines led by the British Air Transport Association (BATA) have united to call for Air Passenger Duty (APD) to be scrapped across the UK.
BATA chief executive Nathan Stower will share the growing concern over the tax with industry leaders and politicians at its annual dinner tonight, heightened by news the tax has been devolved to Scotland.
In Scotland’s hands the fee could be abolished, leaving other UK airports and passengers at a disadvantage. Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond MSP will attend the dinner.
The two highest long-haul bands, an exempt on children paying APD and the tax was also pulled in Northern Ireland. However Stower said airlines are pushing for more.
“The UK still has the highest tax on flying in the world by some margin. The next government should finish the job, put this damaging tax on trade, tourism, families and businesses out of its misery, and abolish APD in the next Parliament,” Stower said.
easyJet CEO Carolyn McCall has supported the campaign, saying: “APD is tax on passengers and has a proven, negative impact on UK tourism, investment and business activity. That is why we are working with other UK airlines to abolish the tax. Abolishing APD would boost the UK economy and pay for itself by increasing revenues from other sources.”
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