US and UK businesses and business groups unite to call for reopening of transatlantic travel
Over 120 businesses and business groups from the USA and UK have today written to the Prime Minister to support the reopening of transatlantic travel.
The letter calls for the Prime Minister to work with the US Government to reopen trans-Atlantic travel citing the progress made by both nations in their vaccination programmes. They also make clear that this can be done safely and at scale using a risk-based approach that builds upon measures already taken by the aviation industry to ensure safe travel and protect public health.
They go on to state that the economic and social impact of the closed borders between the US and UK has been devastating to the UK economy, with £121bn in UK exports and £417bn in Foreign Direct Investment at risk. Alongside risking stalling the recovery of businesses in the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors who rely on the £4bn spent by US visitors to the UK each year.
The letter which was organised by the Future of Aviation Group has been signed by US trade bodies Airlines for America, American Society of Travel Advisors, Aerospace Industries Association and Travel Technology Association, along with leading UK trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and businesses affected by the closure of transatlantic travel.
Commenting Henry Smith MP, Chair of the APPG for the Future of Aviation said:
“The US is one of our largest trading partners and most important allies and after a year where transatlantic travel has been effectively grounded, the Government must reflect on our two nations strong vaccination records and ensure that these key routes are opened up as soon as possible.
“Across the UK, we have strong ties with the US, from those businesses who trade with the US, to those travelling for leisure and crucially those looking to visit family and friends. These cultural, economic and social bonds will be vital to our economic and social recovery from the pandemic and there is little reason to continue keeping transatlantic travel grounded.
“These vital routes have been shut for too long and the Government must introduce a risk based framework for international travel that takes into account the progress made by the UK and US on vaccines and renew the ties that bind us to one of our biggest allies and trading partners.”
Steve Shur, President, Travel Technology Association
“International travel is key to the economic recovery of both the US and the UK. With the health and safety protocols established by all travel stakeholders and the continued deployment of the vaccine, safely reopening international travel between the US and UK is feasible. Our governments need to work together to make this happen.”