Manston Airport Campaigns For Fair Tax On Flying
MANSTON, Kent’s International Airport has joined with airports and the travel industry around the country to campaign for a fair basis of taxing air transport. With British Tourism Week and the Budget approaching, it is important that the impact of Air Passenger Duty (APD) is recognised.
UK passengers are already the most highly taxed in Europe. This taxation level will rise further as aviation enters the European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) in 2012, with no plans to offset this increase and stabilise the industry’s taxation.
Commenting on the opportunity that the airport provides, Charles Buchanan, Manston Airport Chief Executive, said “One of the key focuses for national economic recovery is the growth of the tourism sector. While the UK has the highest passenger taxes in Europe we are at a real disadvantage to other countries. Many countries don’t charge this tax or have dropped it, realising the negative impact it has on tourism. Against those that do, the UK is 8½ times higher than the average.
“In the wake of the Pfizer closure, we must do all we can to support our local businesses and to attract new visitors to the area. Manston Airport is ready to play its part, but we need a level playing field.”
As part of this campaign, Charles has written to local MPs Roger Gale and Laura Sandys asking for their support for the introduction of a fair tax on flying.