Delegates from airports across the UK met in Aberdeen last week for the annual liaison meeting of airport consultative committees hosted this year by Aberdeen Airport.

The meeting discussed a full agenda, with particular emphasis on three major consultations: the Treasury review of Air Passenger Duty (APD); the Department for Transport consultation on a sustainable framework for UK aviation; and the Civil Aviation Authority’s proposals on passenger rights and their reform of complaints’ handling.

Delegates were concerned, on the review of APD, that the introduction of the European Emissions’ Trading Scheme in 2012 would lead to double taxation of passenger flights and agreed to urge government to consider off-setting income generated by the ETS to allow for a reduction of APD rather than the current proposed increase. They expressed concern at the continuing impact of APD on domestic flights within the UK, particularly where viable alternative surface transport was not available and suggested that the rate of APD should be halved for domestic point to point flights. They also felt that greater clarification was required on the definition of ‘business jets’. It appeared that this phrase was now being interpreted as including such parts of aviation as the transfer of offshore workers by helicopter, which they felt should continue to be exempt from APD.

Delegates generally welcomed the proposals in the framework review and the CAA’s consultation that put the passenger at the centre of aviation policy and look forward to working with the DfT and CAA on the development of new guidelines to clarify ways in which airport consultative committees can ensure enhanced representation of passenger interests. They agreed to express again the need for government to find some way to ensure an acceptable level of access to the main London airports for UK regional flights.