Labour pledges not to discourage flying if it comes to power, but will tweak APD
Gary NoakesAn incoming Labour government won’t seek to discourage flying but could adjust Air Passenger Duty (APD) to benefit regional airports, the shadow aviation minister has said.
Mike Kane told the Airlines 2023 conference in London on Monday (20 November) there had been no discussions among the Labour hierarchy about demand management to cut emissions from flying.
Asked if Labour would price people out of flying, Kane said: “That’s not quite how it works, and there’s a social justice issue.” He said those on lower incomes should not be deprived of the travel experience.
“Who are we to deny them their right to a holiday?” he asked, adding: “There is no discussion about demand management among Her Majesty’s Opposition. That will not be in our manifesto.”
Kane pledged his support for sustainable aviation fuel development, adding there were legal targets under the Paris Accord for a 10% SAF mandate by 2030, on which it would abide.
He hinted Labour would adjust APD if it won the next election, describing it as “a watercooler tax to dampen demand at Heathrow” but one that had instead dampened demand in the regions due to its blanket fee.
“I am sure on the horizon we will look at how we allow our regional airports to compete in such an environment where they are disadvantaged at the moment," he told delegates.
Kane added airspace modification was a “no brainer” and would alleviate the issue where congestion cost airlines up to a third of their fuel burn on some domestic flights.
He also hinted he would get tough on some consumer issues, such as when airlines withheld consumer monies during the pandemic. “I know there have been issues with airlines sitting on huge cash reserves from vouchers given out during Covid,” he said.
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