Airlines respond to latest clarity from Chancellor on aviation support package from COVID-19 impacts

March 24th, 2020

Commenting on the latest clarity provided by the Chancellor on the aviation support package to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 on the sector, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered airlines, said:

“We welcome the announcement that Government will enter into negotiations with individual airlines seeking additional bespoke support, recognising the fundamental importance of the aviation sector to the UK economy and the particular challenges faced by airlines in the face of travel restrictions that have all but eliminated airline revenue, but not airline costs, which are substantial and not solely restricted to wages.  

“It is essential that the economy-wide measures announced thus far are implemented as quickly as possible, with accompanying further guidance, to support airlines through this unprecedented period and, alongside any additional bespoke or sector-wide measures, enable aviation to support a strong UK recovery from the current crisis in the months ahead.”