Cardiff Airport welcomes Welsh Affairs Committee report on APD
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The unanimously-agreed report recommends that the UK Government should hand over control of Air Passenger Duty in Wales to the Welsh Government by 2021.
Cardiff Airport has continuously reinforced its position on the matter – calling for the tax to be devolved and then reduced or abolished.
Cardiff Airport believes that the devolution and subsequent modification of APD in Wales offers a significant opportunity to create value for both the Airport and region, supporting an integrated UK aviation strategy without detrimental impact on airports across the border in England.
Devolution alone would not directly affect the Airport business however, it would offer the Welsh Government the discretion to set levels appropriately for Wales. It is the subsequent reduction or abolishment of APD, which would positively affect Cardiff Airport and the regional economy by stimulating airline activity resulting in more passengers and business growth.
Whilst Cardiff Airport recognises the responsibility of the industry to reduce its environmental impact, it acknowledges that displacing air travel to/from London airports will help reduce carbon emissions from long car journeys by keeping air travel within the region. Cardiff Airport is firmly committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has introduced a significant number of initiatives to offset emissions and improve efficiency.
Deb Barber, CEO at Cardiff Airport said, “We are delighted by the findings of the report which show the Committee agree with the strength of the compelling case to devolve APD without adversely affecting English Airports.
“Devolution allows the Welsh Government the discretion to set levels appropriately for Wales and must be balanced with environmental considerations –there is certainly an opportunity to reduce the need for long car journeys to and from English Airports by increasing flight options to and from the region.
“The recommendation must now be taken seriously by UK Government as a subsequent reduction offers a significant opportunity to create value for the region supporting an integrated UK aviation strategy. With Brexit on the horizon, the UK should seize the opportunity and take forward solutions to be more competitive, stimulate investment and encourage global connectivity.”
