Businesses and Business Groups urge Government to bring forward Aviation, Travel and Tourism Recovery Plan
Over 90 businesses and business groups have today written to the Chancellor backing calls made by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Future of Aviation for the urgent introduction of an Aviation, Travel and Tourism Recovery Plan that includes financial support and measures to return passenger numbers safely to pre-pandemic levels when possible.
In the letter, the businesses state that the UK’s economy ‘depends on the aviation, travel and tourism sectors being fighting fit, not running on empty’ and that a failure to bring forward this recovery plan will harm the long-term prospects of the UK economy.
The letter which was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation has been signed by businesses that are ‘connected to or rely on international and domestic air travel.’ This includes leading business groups such as London First and regional Chambers of Commerce, as well as from across the UK economy including education, energy, hospitality and engineering.
Commenting Henry Smith MP, Chair of the APPG for the Future of Aviation said:
“The call made by these businesses is a stark reminder of the importance of aviation, travel and tourism to the UK economy and that a failure to protect them risks putting the brakes on our national recovery.
“Aviation is a key economic enabler whose reach and value stretches into all corners of our economy and with the sector currently running on empty it is essential that the Government bring forward an aviation, travel and tourism recovery plan now to help embattled businesses through the challenging weeks and months ahead.
“Whilst it is right that public health concerns remain the Government’s number one priority, plans for the safe reopening of international travel must form a part of the Prime Minister’s upcoming roadmap out of lockdown and they need to work with industry to agree a clear criterion that allows international travel to resume when safe to do so.
“This must serve as a wake-up call for the Government, a fighting fit aviation and travel sector will be a vital part of our recovery, but only if it receives the support and protection it so desperately needs.”
Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of London First, said:
“Our aviation industry is the envy of the world. Not only is it crucial to our interests as Global Britain, it supports so many jobs and sectors at home, from tourism and hospitality to engineers in the supply chain. As we look ahead to recovery, the Government must take action to support the industry to come back at pace. That includes publishing a clear recovery plan for the sector and working towards a common global approach to international travel.”