UK airlines comment on Government proposals on passenger rights and disruptive passengers

Commenting on Government proposals announced on passenger rights and disruptive passengers, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

On passenger rights:  

“We were surprised to see this given UK airlines already allow minor name corrections free of charge and adhere to current CAA guidance on the seating of children under 12 with their accompanying adult. 

 “Passenger satisfaction levels have reached record highs in the latest CAA consumer tracker at 88%, higher than any other UK transport mode, proof that the public recognises the advantages of one of the most competitive aviation markets in the world, delivering choice, low fares and high levels of service for passengers every day.

 “UK consumers would be best served if Government focused on reducing the tax burden and the cost impact of unachievable SAF sub-mandates on passengers.” 

On disruptive passengers: 

“UK airlines take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour, including working with the authorities to ensure the clear laws that already exist are properly enforced. We welcome the Government’s backing for further action, including allowing airlines to share information on the most serious disruptive events, so that the risk posed by the tiny minority of passengers who ruin travel for everyone else can be better managed.”

UK airlines comment on latest NATS IT disruption

Commenting on the latest ATC disruption this morning, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

“Yet another NATS failure is causing delays and disruption for passengers and airlines alike, and comes just days after its report into the most recent major outage. The UK’s ATC system is critical national infrastructure and it must be resilient enough to keep people moving. Passengers and airlines deserve better and the independent CAA report, together with the forthcoming Civil Aviation Bill, must address the underlying weaknesses in the system so that these failures stop happening.”

UK airlines comment on NATS report into recent IT shutdown

Commenting on the report published today by NATS on the recent IT shutdown, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

“Once again, it is passengers who have suffered and airlines who have picked up the pieces – and the tab – of an ATC system failure, while NATS itself faces no real consequences.

“Passengers don’t need more hollow apologies or empty promises that lessons will be learned. They deserve commitment and proof that the system is being fixed and so the CAA’s review must mandate real investment in NATS’ resilience, so a single fault can never again descend into nationwide disruption. 

“Airlines UK is writing to NATS to demand immediate compensation for the costs incurred and a credible plan to improve resilience. The forthcoming Civil Aviation Bill must look closely at the question of redress to put an end to airlines being left yet again as the insurer of last resort. The Bill is the opportunity to examine a fairer solution so the costs of this disruption, again running into the tens of millions, don’t fully fall on airlines and their passengers.”

UK airlines comment on CCC report on Heathrow Airport expansion & net zero

Commenting on the report published by the Climate Change Committee on the compatibility of Heathrow expansion with delivery of UK aviation net zero emissions, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said:

“UK airlines back cost-effective airport growth and net zero by 2050 — but the transition has to be affordable. Airlines are already investing billions in new aircraft, SAF and airspace upgrades and we have a plan to deliver it. The CCC’s approach would add £600 to a family’s trip to Europe and £1,600 to New York by 2050, putting holidays out of reach for millions and turning the clock back to a time when flying was the preserve of the rich. You can’t solve the climate crisis by pricing Britain out of the skies. 

“The answer is affordable SAF — already cutting emissions since the mandate began — airspace reform by 2035 for more direct routes and scaled-up carbon removals. Both SAF and GGRs are proven technically viable, as the CCC itself admits. We should focus on delivering them, not pricing ordinary people out of the joys of travel.”

UK airlines comment & letter to Transport Secretary following third NATS system failure in three years

Airlines UK has today written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, to register serious concerns over yesterday’s technical failure at NATS – the third major system failure in three years – which has caused major disruption across the UK’s aviation network.

“The latest NATS failure has again exposed a gap in the UK’s aviation regulatory framework. Airlines are expected, in supporting passengers, to absorb the costs of disruption, even when the cause lies entirely outside their control.

“The result is a system where airlines pick up the bill for the mistakes of others, while the organisations responsible face little or no financial consequence. Accountability should sit where responsibility lies and the Civil Aviation Bill offers the opportunity to address this.” 

Airlines UK responds to SAF policy announcements

Today has seen two positive announcements from Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom on UK SAF policy:

– a further £219m committed over the current spending review period to support UK advanced SAF projects as they work to reach FID
– a Call for Evidence into the SAF mandate to ensure current targets, in the short-term, can be met as supply is scaled up

Airlines will now work with HMG and producers / investors to explore how we can align the mandate with expected supply so consumers are not forced to pay for fuel that isn’t yet available whilst maintaining the investability of UK projects that will be critical to industry meeting its net zero commitments.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said:

“We welcome this move by the UK Government to ensure the SAF mandate is responsive to the evolving market, and to support the scale-up of UK advanced SAF supply.

“Airlines are concerned there will not be enough advanced SAF to meet the requirements of the UK sub-mandates and so we need action now to avoid a situation where airlines are forced to pay penalties for fuel they cannot buy, increasing the costs of air travel for UK consumers while doing nothing to reduce emissions or accelerate SAF production.

“Adjusting the sub-mandates to align with realistic supply will ensure UK aviation remains competitive while protecting UK consumers and decarbonisation goals.”

Airlines UK statement on jet fuel supply

Statement from Airlines UK in response to commentary on jet fuel supply:

“UK airlines are currently not seeing disruption to jet fuel supply and continue to engage with fuel suppliers and Government to monitor the situation.”

UK Airlines Response to Reform UK announcement to cut to Air Passenger Duty

Responding to the announcement from Reform UK on cutting Air Passenger Duty, Airlines UK said:

“UK Air Passenger Duty is one of the highest passenger taxes in the world. Airlines support reductions for all passengers but we welcome any policy that would reduce this tax burden on families and help to boost growth, trade and competitiveness for the UK.”