38 MPs have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to take immediate action to support airlines amid the coronavirus crisis.
BBC News has reported that airline bosses have welcomed the MPs’ action with the Chancellor so far saying airlines should find other forms of funding.
BBC News has reported that the sector largely wants two things from government: emergency loans for airports and airlines as they try to remain open despite a grounding of UK passengers; and the suspension of a number of taxes and regulatory charges.
The industry wants the government to cover the cost of the CAA as well as air traffic control charges, for the rest of the year, BBC News reports.
When the crisis is over, they also want Air Passenger Duty tax suspended for six months, BBC News reports.
The MPs letter calls for: “Restrictions have all but eliminated airline and airport revenue, but not costs, which are substantial and go far beyond solely wages.
“It remains unclear what the duration of the economic impact will be on the UK’s airlines and airports, who face a pressing challenge to survive.”
The MPs said aviation supported some 1.6 million UK jobs and the sector would be essential to support the recovery of the wider UK economy once the crisis had passed.
