AOA releases manifesto detailing a sustainable future in aviation

Following the announcement of a UK general election in December, the Airport Operators Association (AOA) has released ‘A Manifesto For UK Airports‘, its general election manifesto detailing how the aviation industry can work with a new government to ensure that future airport growth focuses on sustainability and continues the existing success of aviation.

The manifesto details how a new government has the ability to enable aviation to deliver the benefits of connectivity – both for well-earned holidays and vital overseas connectivity for businesses. AOA also emphasises how the sector can underpin a new government’s growth agenda through a new Aviation Strategy – including investment into sustainable aviation opportunities.

The manifesto outlines five priorities:

• Deliver a national aviation policy that supports sustainable airport growth – the government must set out a fair framework within an aviation strategy for sustainable growth at all airports, helping to deliver the connectivity required whilst supporting efforts to deliver net-zero emissions
• Prioritise a new legal framework for the UK’s aviation connectivity after Brexit – a new government must provide certainty for aviation by negotiating a new UK-EU air services agreement, securing continued membership in the European Aviation Safety Agency, and continuing close cooperation on security and air traffic control
• Support the industry in modernising the UK’s airspace – the work of the previous government must be continued, supporting an airspace modernisation programme for the UK
• Ensure that the UK’s border regime is secure but welcoming – it is in the nation’s best interest to utilise new technologies and have a well-resourced border force that can cope with increased passenger flows whilst being welcoming to all
• Review and reform Air Passenger Duty to boost the UK’s international competitiveness – a competitive aviation sector is needed in order to ensure British businesses can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the country’s exit from the European Union.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the AOA, said: “Aviation is one of UK’s success stories, employing more than a million people across the country and enabling businesses to reach new and existing customers with ease. With the right support and policy framework, we can do better still, delivering more value and choice for UK consumers and businesses across the whole of the UK, as well as supporting a future government’s sustainability agenda. The AOA election manifesto sets out an ambitious agenda for the next government and we look forward to working with ministers and officials to deliver on this, enabling aviation to play its full part in helping to secure the UK’s future prosperity and its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”