Airport & Airline

MPs vote for APD review as eight in ten agree APD may be pricing people out of flying

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Category: Airport & Airline

Created on Friday, 02 November 2012 12:18

The outcome of the debate supports the findings of a recent ABTA survey¹, which reveals MPs’ growing concerns over the affordability of APD. According to the survey 81% of MPs agree or agree strongly that APD may be pricing some people out of flying, a 6% increase since 2011.

Mark Tanzer, CEO ABTA said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of yesterday’s debate. We have been working long and hard for this outcome and this is a positive step towards our goal of securing a review into the economic impacts of APD. The Treasury now knows such a review has strong support from MPs, the general public and British businesses and we will continue to put the pressure on the Government.”

The Fair Tax on Flying alliance of over 30 airlines, airports, business and travel organisations including ABTA, launched an e-mail campaign earlier this year which resulted in 200,000 members of the public e-mailing their MPs asking for their support for an independent report into the impact of APD on the UK economy. The public also clearly see the negative impact of APD on the UK economy with almost half [47%] believing that APD puts the UK at a disadvantage with only 15% believing that it does not. ²

Luke Pollard, Head of Public Affairs, ABTA said: "Since the launch of the Fair Tax on Flying online campaign at the start of the summer, it has been winning ever more support from MPs. The Treasury now know that not only is APD one of the largest post bag issues of the Parliament thanks to the campaign, but that many MPs also back the call for a review.”