Thursday 9 April 2020

Dear AOA Member,

As we head into the long Easter weekend, this would normally be a peak period for airports. It reminded me of the importance of our work to ensure Government sets up the necessary support for airports to see through this crisis so we can provide the connectivity people have come to rely on again, after the pandemic recedes.

That is why today the AOA wrote to the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, outlining the need to extend the Job Retention Scheme beyond May. As ACI EUROPE highlighted today, aviation is likely to see a long lag in its recovery, as travel restrictions need to be lifted globally and consumer confidence is likely to return only slowly. We are going to need the Government to support our vital staff beyond May and early clarity is necessary on this.

Later this afternoon, the AOA, along with ACI EUROPE, also spoke with the Global Infrastructure Investors Association on the COVID-19 crisis. The team updated their members, investors in major infrastructure across the world, on developments in the UK and our efforts in seeking further support from the UK Government.

Further to the Government leaflets circulated on Tuesday, the Department for Transport has asked that all airports and airlines consider distributing these as widely as possible to passengers, particularly at eGates. The Department have also provided a script for tannoy announcements in airports, advising passengers to go straight home from their flight. Finally, Public Health England have put together the following frequently asked questions, tackling a number of issues which have been raised in their weekly call and bilateral discussions with airports.

I’d like to wish you all a very happy Easter, and hope you manage to enjoy the warmer weather in some form!

Best wishes,

 

Karen Dee

Chief Executive