Monday 4 May 2020

Dear AOA Member,

This weekend saw more media speculation on the expected health-related measures in aviation, with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the government was considering quarantine measures. In that context, it is helpful that I will now be giving evidence to the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday – Committee members will undoubtedly want to discuss the impacts of various health measures and what the Government needs to do if those measures prevent the recovery of aviation in the near future.

We will also be raising the challenges on the now fortnightly calls between airports and the Aviation Minister. This will also look ahead to the first meeting of the Steering Group for Restart, Recovery & Engagement work the DfT has planned. As part of that, we will press for urgent decisions on the health measures to bring an end to the speculation and give airports a clear idea of what they can expect.

To further inform the public debate, we’re working with IATA to support an All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Aviation. A number of MPs are keen to work with us on this, but we’re exploring with them how to do so in the context of a virtual Parliament. This group will be an opportunity for airport and wider aviation concerns around the restart and recovery of flights to be put to Government. Airlines UK is considering joining our efforts and we are working with a public affairs consultancy to provide the secretariat for the APPG. We will keep you updated on the APPG’s progress but in the meantime do get in touch if your organisation would like to support the APPG’s work as well.

Lastly, you may be interested in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s plan for what the “new normal” will look like for global tourism. It includes critical steps and coordinated actions, including new standards and protocols, that they believe offer a safe and responsible road to travel and tourism recovery.

Best wishes,

Karen Dee
Chief Executive