Opposition to APD hikes mounts
Sunday, 29 Jun, 2009
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The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has joined industry ranks in opposing planned hikes in Air Passenger Duty.
The body, which represents more than 90 scheduled airlines, is demanding that the government withdraw proposed increases to APD planned for this November and in November 2010.
It described APD as a “stealth tax on the travelling public” which will prove harmful to UK business and act as a tariff barrier against airlines.
APD is “utterly inconsistent” in its application as it imposes disadvantages on some destinations such as the Caribbean having a higher rate of tax than Hawaii, BAR UK argues.
Additionally, long haul visitors are likely to depart through another European country or avoid the UK altogether.
Airlines will have to face an additional financial burden during the most difficult trading period on record and investment in new technologies to reduce carbon emissions could be delayed, BAR UK claims.
Chief executive Mike Carrivick said:“It’s about time the government listened and understood the detrimental effects the new APD levels will impose.
“The new APD regime is effectively a tariff barrier that is purposefully aimed to hit the pockets of the flying public.
“Many will just not be able to afford to travel by air. Moreover, this won’t just be UK residents doing business, going on holiday or visiting friends and family. This will also put a great number of visitors off travelling to the UK – especially from afar.
“The APD charges will simply make it too expensive to visit the UK compared with other parts of the world. The government must recognise that in most cases the inbound leisure passenger has a choice of European airport.
“BAR UK calls for the government to withdraw the proposed increases this year and next and we will continue to lobby government on this matter.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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