Commenting on the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme opening for applications, Airport Operators Association Chief Executive Karen Dee said:
“The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme will provide some financial relief for airports in England devasted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Most airports have remained open, sustaining consistent losses for nearly twelve months, in order to facilitate essential freight, emergency service, military and offshore oil, gas and wind flights.
“When originally announced, the business rate relief was very welcome and came alongside a real hope for an initial recovery through the Test-to-Release Scheme. However, the pandemic took a turn for the worse and the outlook for 2021 has worsened significantly.
“With airports effectively closed again by the Government’s travel restrictions, much more significant support is now needed. This should see airports through the current crisis to safeguard jobs and ensure they are fighting fit to boost the UK’s post-pandemic economic recovery.”
ENDS
