Time to apply common sense to airside drinking for sake of passenger safety

Responding to the Government consultation on the introduction of airside licensing at UK airports, which closes today, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“Whilst airlines do not want to stop passengers enjoying a pint or glass of wine at the start of their holiday the sale of alcohol needs to be responsible. We want to see common sense prevail and ensure bars and retailers airside come under the jurisdiction of the Licensing Act – simply applying the same rules as on the high street.

“It is the alcohol consumed or bought in the airport that is the most common causal factor (more than half) of disruption in the air and unfortunately the number of incidents continues to rise and each incident poses a safety threat. That’s why we’re asking Ministers to intervene by accepting the recommendations in the House of Lords Licensing Committee report and removing this outdated exemption.

“Simply bringing the airports in line with the high street would protect passenger interests while reducing the number of disruptive incidents and making flying safer and more enjoyable for all.”

Airlines UK Annual Dinner – speech delivered by Chairman Jane Middleton

Minister, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2019 Airlines UK Annual Dinner. For those of you who I have not yet met I’m Jane Middleton, Chairman of Airlines UK. I would like to start this evening by thanking Thales UK and CargoLogicAir for sponsoring our event and making this evening possible.

Late last year we launched a new Gold level of Associate membership and I am delighted to welcome our first two Gold members – Thales UK and Farnborough International Ltd and we look forward to working with them in the year ahead.

I would also like to thank the Minister for Aviation Baroness Sugg for joining us as our keynote speaker – and for the tremendous impact she has had on our sector since taking the role.

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to someone who has made a huge contribution to our sector over the years and will be sorely missed when she leaves the DfT in April. Lucy Chadwick – I’d like to thank you for all your support.

Minister, as you know, delivering for the consumer is at the heart of any airline business. Unlike other travel sectors, airlines are privately funded and privately operated whilst competing in a global market. With unprecedented levels of consumer choice expectations continue to rise and our customers now have access to more information than ever before allowing them, quite rightly, to demand more from airlines. The provision of a quality experience is of great importance and is a responsibility our members take very seriously – as supported by growing passenger numbers and successive CAA passenger satisfaction surveys.

You will also appreciate airlines cannot put on new routes and destinations bringing down the cost of travel and connecting our cities and regions, whilst our largest airports are constrained and smaller ones remain unviable for carriers to operate from.

The great paradox in the UK is that despite passenger numbers increasing to record levels, direct connectivity has actually gone down. We are the only country in Europe where this has happened. The lack of capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick has clearly played a role in this but so too has an airline cost base that makes it ever harder to sustain new routes and utilise spare capacity.

Almost 12 months to the day since the collapse of Monarch, Primera another operator with a large UK presence ceased operations. We were proud of the swift response from UK airlines in offering rescue fairs to bring stranded passengers home but the loss of Primera demonstrates that despite recent falls in fuel costs, it remains a struggle for too many airlines to operate profitably. Fare reductions and the ongoing weakness of sterling are clearly part of the reason – but so too is the impact of increased taxes, infrastructure costs and regulation.

The Aviation Strategy represents a unique opportunity to make a truly positive case for growth in our industry and airlines look forward to working in partnership with Government to ensure this can be delivered sustainably nationwide. However, the Strategy will fail if we fall into the trap of taking this growth for granted and our long-term prosperity will not be achieved if the UK becomes ever more uncompetitive in the global aviation market.

My comments are relevant for air freight operators as well as passenger carriers. An Airlines UK report published last year showed the UK is more dependent on air freight services than any of our EU competitors, and that across the economy just over £87 billion of GVA is directly dependent on air freight exports. It is not surprising that countries with better links to growing destinations trade more with those markets making cargo an issue of national strategic importance. So with the right support through the Strategy, and a Brexit outcome that recognises how modern air freight operates across Europe, this sector can play its full part in helping enable the UK to meet its ambitious export targets. Equally we must not forget the important role night flights play in next day delivery and ensuring the competitiveness of UK Plc.

Minister, alongside the Secretary of State you deserve enormous credit for securing parliamentary approval for a new runway at Heathrow – something history has demonstrated is no easy feat. Everyone in this room now needs to come together to ensure that this once in a generation infrastructure project is delivered.

However, as we and others, including the Secretary of State, have said right from the start, these advantages will only be achieved if Heathrow – overseen by the CAA – deliver a scheme that is and remains affordable, including passing the exam question of keeping charges at current levels.

I make no apology for repeating myself when I say our members are clear that airline backing remains conditional upon a scheme that delivers on this affordability promise. We therefore have two requests. Firstly, to Heathrow, as we remain committed to working together we ask for and expect meaningful consultation on your plans, particularly during this critical stage. For us this means engaging fully and responding to airline feedback whilst ensuring the timely and adequate provision of information. And most importantly, scheduling a time in the near future when airlines will be fully informed of all the facts and costs, enabling them to assess the case for themselves.

Our second request is to the CAA. We know you appreciate your role as a strong and effective regulator of Heathrow. Airlines are committed to working with you to explore opportunities presented by expansion and to deliver a better Heathrow but we cannot do this alone. We look to the CAA – and Government – for acknowledgement that in reality carriers act as a proxy for the consumer. If charges end up rising to pay for a new runway we risk not being able to deliver the step change in connectivity and competition that Britain needs now more than ever before.

Looking beyond Heathrow, we are pleased that Ministers have expressed support for all airports making best use of existing runways. This must run alongside the expansion of Heathrow, and not just be seen as a sticking plaster applied until the third runway is built. The airline business model is not a complicated one. Our members will cater for demand in air travel, where and whenever this may arise and we endorse the recommendation for a future aviation growth framework that accommodates additional runways beyond 2030.

Whilst in principle we will support the unlocking of new capacity – we do not support the Government picking winners in aviation. Business cases must be proven, funding secured, and a commitment made that passengers will not be asked to foot the bill through higher charges whilst ensuring operational resilience remains effective.

The Government is right though to set industry the challenge of ensuring any future expansion can be delivered sustainably. Airlines are rightly proud of their efforts around sustainability having introduced >470 new aircraft into service since 2005 at an investment cost of over $49 billion. We are now starting to see a disconnect between aviation growth and noise so whilst we have a 13% increase in passengers, we see 12,000 fewer people being seriously impacted by noise. It’s the same story with carbon – between 2010 and 2016, passenger numbers in the UK grew by 27%, while total emissions only grew around 0.2%. These are facts that industry and Government must continue to champion.

Continued progress in these areas will depend on Government and industry working together. Ministers have an important role to play in encouraging investment in sustainable aviation fuels and new technologies. And of course – remaining steadfast in their support for airspace modernisation.

Airspace modernisation has been a key industry ask for a long time now and we are pleased that you, Minister, are committed to providing the political leadership to make it a reality. As we all know this has not always been the case and without central Government setting out the strategic rationale for why modernisation is so important it will fail. Following your leadership it is now up to the sector to come together to design, implement and deliver a programme that is co-ordinated and works for the whole country. I can assure you that the airlines are signed up 100% to making this a success and we will work collaboratively across the sector to make it happen.

With 58 days till Brexit it will come as no surprise that I mention it here tonight. There is lot of noise and speculation around this topic – but what do we actually know about where we are with the negotiations? We know that the UK Government and EU Commission have said even in the event of no deal air services between the UK and the EU will continue. We also know the UK Government has already signed 11 of the 17 third country agreements needed to maintain connectivity after Brexit. We continue to seek clarity on some elements of the Commission’s no-deal Regulations – in particular the proposed capacity cap and the long-standing commercial practice of code sharing agreements, as well as aircraft leasing and chartering – and we do not support a no-deal Brexit. All that said while we are far from complacent for airlines it remains very much business as usual with tickets on sale and consumer sentiment remaining buoyant.

In summary, it is important that we should never lose sight of the value of aviation. The coming year is a crucial one for the future of our industry and we expect everyone within the sector and the Government to play their part and to be accountable to the ultimate end user – the consumer!

I would now like to introduce Steve Murray the VP Strategy & Marketing for Thales UK

UK airlines – welcome clarity from European Commission that flights will continue under ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario

Commenting on the European Commission publishing guidance today confirming that flights between the UK and EU would continue in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“This is yet further clarity that flights will continue between the UK and EU even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, as we have always said. Combined with the excellent progress Government has made in concluding bilateral agreements with third countries – including the United States and Canada – passengers should have every confidence in booking holidays and trips for travel on 30 March and beyond.”

UK airlines respond to Aviation Strategy Green Paper – “we need a strategy that gives a clear statement in favour of growth and delivering additional capacity where it is needed”

Commenting on the publication of the Government’s Aviation Strategy Green Paper, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“We welcome the next stage in the Government’s Aviation Strategy. Airlines look forward to continuing to work with Ministers to create a strategy that helps to deliver sustainable growth in our sector. To connect UK families and businesses domestically and to the world, deliver value for money, and further improve the travelling experience for all passengers.

“In particular we need a strategy that gives a clear statement in favour of delivering additional capacity where it is needed – both on the ground and within our congested airspace – so we can continue to deliver for passengers and cargo customers into the future.”

UK airlines respond to proposed consumer measures from the Government’s aviation strategy consultation

Commenting on the first proposed measures from the Government’s upcoming aviation strategy consultation, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“Delivering for the consumer is at the heart of an airline business. UK airlines operate in one of the most competitive sectors in the world, and look forward to working with Government towards a new Aviation Strategy that will help them continue to do what they have always done best – connect UK families and businesses domestically and to the world, deliver tremendous value for money, and further improve the travelling experience for all passengers.”

UK airlines – Brexit deal “represents a path which can provide certainty and confidence for airlines, passengers and businesses alike

Commenting on the Brexit deal between the UK Government and EU Commission and its implications for aviation and air travel, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said:

“For UK aviation a withdrawal agreement is clearly in the interests of both the UK and Europe and so this agreement represents a path which can provide certainty and confidence for airlines, passengers and businesses alike. Any future Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement – which the Government and EU Commission have signalled their intention to sign post-Brexit – should then aim to deliver the market access between the UK and EU that passengers and cargo benefit from today.”

Contact: Tim Alderslade – [email protected] / 0758 4016925

  • Airlines UK is the trade body for UK-registered airlines and other carriers with a UK operation – with members representing all sectors of the industry. Our thirteen members are: British Airways, CargoLogicAir, DHL, easyJet, Flybe, Jet2.com, Norwegian UK, Ryanair, Thomas Cook, Tui Airways, Titan Airways, Virgin Atlantic and West Atlantic.

Airlines & airports welcome clarity from European Commission that flights would continue under ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario

Commenting on the European Commission publishing guidance confirming that flights between the UK and EU would continue in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, and Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, said:

“We welcome that the European Commission has joined the UK Government in providing further reassurance to passengers and businesses that flights will continue whatever happens over the coming weeks.

“That said, a comprehensive bilateral air services agreement between the UK and EU remains the best way to protect market access post-Brexit and is clearly in the interests of both sides.”

Airside licensing needed at airports to curb rising disruptive passenger incidents

Organisations from across the aviation and tourism sectors have come together to call for the Government to amend the Licensing Act so that it in future applies to bars, pubs, restaurants and retail outlets selling alcohol airside at airports, in an order to help curb the growing number of disruptive passenger incidents across the UK. The statement comes in response to a Government Call for Evidence that was published on the issue today.    

Organisations calling for the exemption to be removed include Airlines UK, the trade association for UK airlines that represents 13 UK carriers; the Airport Services Association (ASA), which represents the interests of the global aviation ground services community at more than 250 airports; the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) which represents over 85% of all commercial pilots in the UK; Unite the Union, the largest body in UK civil aviation covering individual members; ERA (European Regions Airline Association), representing European aviation including 50 airlines; and ABTA – The Travel Association, the leading association of travel agents and tour operators.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the trade association for UK airlines, said: 

“The problem of disruptive behaviour has got progressively worse over a number of years, despite the best efforts of industry to tackle it. There is no evidence to suggest these incidents won’t persist without the active involvement of Government.

 “Alcohol plays a major role in disruptive passenger incidents and so it is essential that its sale in airports is done responsibly. We do not want to stop passengers from enjoying a well-deserved drink in the airport and removing this unnecessary exemption will not do that. It will simply ensure that the same standards of responsible alcohol sale that any bar, pub or shop on the high street must follow are also applied to outlets airside.”

The Baroness McIntosh of Pickering, Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on the Licensing Act 2003, which published a report on the Licensing Act in 2017 advocating the change, said:

The Committee concluded that there is simply no justification for the Licensing Act not to apply to sales airside at airports. Our report showed that removing the exemption can be done quickly and so with alcohol related disruptive passenger incidents continuing, the Government must take this action immediately.”

 Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association, said: 

‘’Disruptive passenger incidents are thankfully rare, but when they occur these incidents can have a serious impact on crew and other passengers. With alcohol a major causal factor in such incidents, we support measures to ensure that its sale in airports is done responsibly. Proportionate licensing can be part of the solution, whilst having no impact on the vast majority of travellers who enjoy a drink responsibly before their trip.”

 Jon Conway, Director General of the Airport Services Association, said: 

“It is unacceptable when passengers and staff at the airport suffer because of an intoxicated minority. Although industry is working hard to tackle the issue of disruptive passengers collectively, Government can and should assist these efforts by removing this outdated exemption.”

Brian Strutton, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), said: 

“Excessive alcohol consumption and disruptive behaviour is a growing concern and beyond the potential threat they cause to the safety of the aircraft, air crew should not be expected to deal with violent or abusive passengers.

 “We do not want to prevent passengers from enjoying a drink in the airport – we simply believe that alcohol sold in the airport should be done responsibly and excessive consumption not encouraged. Removing the exemption would do just that.”

 Montserrat Barriga, Director General of ERA (European Regions Airline Association), said: 

“Modern day air travel is now very accessible with more people flying than ever before. However, the industry has seen an increase in disruptive passenger behaviour, with most cases being the result of excessive alcohol consumption. 

 “Such behaviour has the potential to impact on both the safety and security of an aircraft and should not be tolerated. Although airlines monitor and counteract such behaviour with specific cabin crew training, the airports also have a role to play in ensuring such instances of disruptive behaviour are mitigated prior to a passenger boarding the aircraft, including the responsible sale of alcohol at the airport outlets.

 “ERA supports the removal of this unnecessary exemption, which we believe will improve standards of safety and security whilst still affording passengers the opportunity to drink responsibly before boarding their flight.”

Oliver Richardson, National Officer, Civil Air Transport from Unite the Union, said:

“Air crew and airport staff should not have to suffer from verbal or even physical abuse at their workplace from an intoxicated few. Airside bars, pubs and retailers must be held to the same standards as outlets in our towns and cities, to ensure that excessive alcohol consumption is not encouraged.”

Vacancy – Public Affairs & Policy Executive / Manager (depending upon experience)

Airlines UK (AUK) is looking for a motivated and hard-working Public Affairs & Policy Executive / Manager (based on experience) to join its team in London. The successful candidate will assist with policy campaigns and help to formulate AUK policy on behalf of airline members, and work with colleagues in advocating our messaging to stakeholders including Ministers, parliamentarians, regulators and industry bodies, ensuring that their interests are effectively represented and that the voice of AUK is heard in Westminster and the devolved administrations. S/he will report to the Policy & Public Affairs Director.

 Job Requirements

  • Exceptional communicator (oral and written) with a proven ability to work independently on policy research and analysis, develop messaging across a range of policy interests, and experience of putting in place advocacy and engagement strategies.
  • A track record of engaging with and working alongside stakeholders on policy, legislation, consultations and research projects.
  • Excellent knowledge of UK Government and parliamentary institutions.
  • Skilled organiser, capable of managing a challenging agenda with competing priorities.
  • At least a basic understanding of the aviation industry and airline sector, in particular.

 Job description – the selected candidate will:

  • Work in a small, dynamic and hardworking team in central London.
  • Be uniquely involved with the UK aviation industry and airline sector in particular, working on issues including Brexit, aviation tax, airport expansion, disruptive passengers, sustainability, the upcoming Government Aviation Strategy and consumer protection policy.
  • Contribute to the visibility and reputation of the airline sector within the UK policy landscape.
  • Help to manage policy campaigns in line with agreed AUK priorities and objectives.
  • Interact closely with the 13 AUK airline members.
  • Help to co-ordinate the work of assigned AUK Policy Working Groups.
  • Develop a personal reputation as a policy expert within aviation, speaking at meetings / roundtables and advocating publicly on behalf of agreed AUK positions. 

 Salary: Competitive but based upon experience. 

 If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to [email protected].

 

Air Passenger Duty increase demonstrates that Government’s words on ‘Global Britain’ are not matched by their actions

Responding to the announcement in the Budget that long-haul Air Passenger Duty rates will rise with inflation from 2020, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

“Today’s announcement sends entirely the wrong signal as we prepare to leave the European Union.  APD is nothing but a tax on Global Britain.  Rates are already the highest in the world, with the burden on passengers travelling from and within the UK having risen over 1000% since its introduction, and set to hit an eye watering £4bn by 2022/3.  

 The UK was only country in Europe to see a loss of direct connectivity last year, and today’s increase on business and holiday travellers will make it even harder for UK airlines to grow our international connectivity, establish new trade links and encourage more tourists to visit the UK.  With Brexit just around the corner, it is a missed opportunity to have truly transformed the UK’s international competitiveness.

Ministers can talk all they like about reaching out to the world but today’s increase demonstrates that their words are not matched by their actions and will remain so until they get rid of this damaging tax”.