Wednesday 15 July 2020

Dear AOA Member,

As discussions within society around a second wave of COVID-19 outbreaks pick up pace, with the issue raised at Prime Minister’s questions today, the AOA continues to work with Government and aviation industry stakeholders on border health measures. We are keen to ensure that in the future, outbreaks of COVID-19 in other nations, do not immediately warrant them being returned to the “red list” and requiring visitors from those nations to self-isolate for 14 days. Over the last few days the team has met with various stakeholders to discuss testing and whether/how this could provide an effective solution to prevent the re-imposition of quarantine. I hope we can work through proposals urgently and I will keep you informed on this.

AOA also took part in the Department for Transport’s Expert Steering Group’s Communications sub-group today. We used this opportunity to emphasise the need for Government to help build consumer confidence in flying via more positive messaging, in line with what the government is now doing on shopping.  DfT said they would take these thoughts into consideration, but we do not feel they are yet on board with this need so we will keep pushing this at more senior levels.

This afternoon I gave evidence to the International Trade Committee on Freeports. I explained the potential benefits of the concept for airports but stressed the need for Government flexibility in its proposals. It’s important that freeports do not generate distortive effects on competition within the sector while building on the unique circumstances and strengths of individual airports and maritime ports. The AOA recently responded to the Government’s consultation on its freeports policy and I will continue to be engaged in the development of proposals in my role on the Freeports Advisory Panel.

Other items of note:

• We’ve been asked to circulate and highlight a competition from the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) on countering unmanned vehicles. The competition is interested in entries which can detect the presence of sUAVs, determine location, intent and assess the risk posed, locate operator, and enforce a ‘no-drone’ zone. Proposals for funding to meet these challenges must be submitted by Friday 31st July at midday. More information can be found here.

Best wishes,

Karen Dee
Chief Executive