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LIAISON GROUP OF UNITED KINGDOM AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES

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 off-shore 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.

During a study visit to Bristow’s helicopter terminal and base, delegates were able to see at close hand the importance of the helicopter industry to Aberdeen, with three helicopter operators collectively transporting nearly 500,000 off-shore workers from the airport to North Sea oil and gas installations a year. Their tour included an explanation of the safety regime that applies and the precautions that are taken to ensure safe operation of services in the most inclement of environments.

During the conference delegates were addressed by Carol Benzie, the Operations Director for Aberdeen Airport, who gave an informative briefing on the success of Aberdeen in keeping the airport operational for all but relatively short periods during the heavy snows of the past winter and on the way in which the airport is currently extending its main runway by 124 metres whilst maintaining a full operational capability from 0600 to 2230 each day. They also heard from Chris Holliday, the Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Airways, on the niche market that Eastern has developed through the provision of high quality, high frequency flights between provincial centres in the UK and to Scandinavia, and how they have coped with the challenges of winter weather, volcanic ash and the downturn in the economy.

The meetings were chaired by Peter Smart, who heads the Aberdeen Airport Consultative Committee, which provides a forum for local authority and community representatives, and business, travel and passenger interests to discuss with airport management the ways in which the airport can be a ‘good neighbour’ whilst developing its business for the wider benefit of the north east of Scotland.

“It was 25 years ago that Aberdeen last hosted a meeting of the Liaison Group. So it is a pleasure to have this year’s meeting at one of the UK’s most important regional airports at a time when government and the CAA are presenting us all with a number of consultations that could have a major impact on the aviation industry and potentially also on tourism and other industries critical to the regeneration of the regions and the economy of UK plc,” comments Peter. “The annual meeting of the Liaison Group offers a great opportunity to discuss common issues and share our experiences and thoughts with each other.”

Commenting on the meeting Derek Provan, the Managing Director of the airport said, “Aberdeen Airport is delighted to be the host of this year’s liaison meeting. We work closely with our Consultative Committee and are proud of the constructive relationship this has fostered over many years.”

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