The Liberal Democrats have released their new manifesto for the upcoming UK Election, where they are opposing the expansion of airports in London.
This is seen in section 16 of their manifesto, which pertains to their approaches on transport.
It is key to note that this is a typical approach from the political party, who have opposed this in the past.
Liberal Democrats: Reduce the Climate Impact of Flying…
In their detailed manifesto, the Liberal Democrats has laid out the following plans for aviation:
- Reforming the taxation of international flights to focus on those who fly the most, while reducing costs for ordinary households who take one or two international return flights per year.
- Introducing a new super tax on private jet flights, and removing the VAT exemptions for private, first-class and business-class flights.
- Requiring airlines to show the carbon emissions for domestic flights compared to the equivalent rail option at booking.
- Banning short domestic flights where a direct rail option taking less than 2.5 hours is available for the same journey, unless planes are alternative-fuelled.
- Placing a moratorium on net airport expansion until a national capacity and emissions management framework is in place, and opposing the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or London City airports and any new airport in the Thames Estuary.
There are some important aspects in here that the aviation industry will need to know on this.
For commercial aviation, there will be opposition to the expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted or London City.
This also includes the option for any new airport within the Thames Estuary.
How Have The Airports Responded?
AviationSource has approached the airports listed for comment. We are awaiting comments at this time.
However, Gatwick Airport responded and referred us to a press release from July last year.
This explains how the airport’s growth plans will boost the regional economy by £1bn, providing 14,000 new jobs.
Karen Dee, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association, which represented London Stansted said:
“The aviation measures announced in the Liberal Democrat manifesto yesterday will only serve to undermine the UK’s competitiveness while doing little to address the sustainability and decarbonisation of air travel.”
“UK aviation has a clear and robust plan – as set out in the Sustainable Aviation Road-Map – which demonstrates how it will meet its climate change obligations without the need for burdensome and counter-productive policies such as these. ”
Another important aspect is that the manifesto doesn’t openly state whether they are opposed to expansion elsewhere in the UK.
AviationSource has also approached the Liberal Democrats for clarification on this as well.
At the time of publication, they have also not responded.
We will be updating the article with their comments as they come in from all listed above.
Will This Stunt Growth for the Sector?
With the likes of London Heathrow and Gatwick providing a significant contribution to the UK economy, this may cause concern in the industry.
Particularly on the Heathrow side, the airport is in need of an expansion, and is at capacity for flights.
On top of this, where we also have the section of banning short domestic flights, that could cause issues for the likes of British Airways & Loganair.
They provide important flights around the UK, like Manchester & Newcastle.
There could be some concern for growth in the sector in the South of England.
If they are not opposed to expansion outside of London, then this could be a focus point for growth.
Finally, the aspect of taxing those who fly the most will no doubt be affected.
That could also stunt businesses who do a lot of business overseas and need to be there in person.
However, making holidays and flights for ordinary households cheaper is also a good step, so there is a medium there within this.
Overall…
In conclusion, it will be interesting to see how the aviation sector would look.
Especially for London, if the Liberal Democrats are elected, will these approaches be welcomed?
Looking ahead, the approach to flying and the climate impact is a hot topic in the sector.
With the party aiming to be net-zero by 2045, this would also apply pressure by around five years.
This is with the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero by 2050.
But for now, let’s see what the response is like from the UK public and the industry following this manifesto release.
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