Budget airline easyJet has praised the coalition Government after plans to replace the air passenger duty (APD) airport departure tax with a per-plane tariff were announced in the emergency Budget. 

A rise in APD announced by the previous administration and pencilled in for November 2010 is likely to still go ahead, leading easyJet, which flies from Luton Airport and Stansted, to warn that passengers would still see cost increases for some routes.

Andy Harrison, chief executive of budget airline easyJet, said: “Four out of five British travellers would be better off under a per plane tax as private jets, cargo aircraft and travellers changing planes in Heathrow will start paying their fair share.

easyJet Luton

easyJet praises Government plans to replace the air passenger duty (APD) airport departure tax

“We applaud the Government’s intention to end this daft poll tax on passengers.”

Ed Anderson, chairman of the Airport Operators Association, said: “We remain concerned that the Government still intends introducing a per-plane duty but are pleased that they are willing to consult the industry first. We will work with the Government to ensure that the impact of a per-plane duty on the viability of routes and regional connectivity will be minimised.”

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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