Statement on disruptive passenger incidents

The vast majority of passengers reach their destination having had a safe and enjoyable journey. While disruptive behaviour remains rare, incidents can have a big impact – on fellow passengers, on employees, and on the disruptive passengers themselves. The results can be nuisance and annoyance at one end of the scale, to threats to passenger, crew and aircraft safety at the other.

BATA statement on incidents involving lasers

“The safety of passengers and crew is the number one priority for our member airlines and they take incidents involving lasers very seriously. Incidents are reported to the police to investigate and take appropriate action, as well as to the CAA, the regulator of UK aviation. People who buy and use these powerful lasers need to understand that it is a criminal offence to direct or shine a light at any aircraft to dazzle or distract a pilot and such action carries a maximum fine of £2,500. If a person is found to recklessly or negligently endanger an aircraft this can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.”

UK tax on flying cost passengers over £3.1 billion last year

Speaking ahead of this evening’s gathering of the UK airline industry at the British Air Transport Association Annual Dinner, Nathan Stower, Chief Executive of BATA said: “New official figures from HMRC clearly show much how Air Passenger Duty has increased since it was first introduced. This UK tax on flying cost the public over £3.1 billion in 2015 – up from £331 million in 1995 and £892 million in 2005.That is a staggering increase of 250% in the last 10 years and over 840% since the first full year of its operation. Even allowing for growth in passenger numbers over the same period, this is still a huge burden on UK businesses, the travelling public, and UK aviation.”

Former BATA Chairman recognised in New Year’s Honours List

Former Chairman of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), Dr Barry Humphreys, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

Thousands avoiding roads and trains by flying home for Christmas

With major engineering works planned on railway lines during the festive period and congestion and delays likely on some of Britain’s major roads, thousands have once again decided to take advantage of competitive fares and faster journey times by flying home for Christmas this year.

BATA responds to Government statement on airport expansion in the South East

Responding to the Government statement on airport expansion in the South East, Nathan Stower, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association, which represents UK registered airlines, said:

“We understand the need for a robust assessment of the Airports Commission’s final report, but it is extremely disappointing that the Government has failed to make a decision today. The UK cannot continue to put off this difficult but vital decision while our international competitors forge ahead.”

Airlines call on Chancellor to seize the opportunity presented by devolution of APD to Scotland

BATA and BAR-UK, the two organisations representing the vast majority of airlines operating to and from the UK have joined forces and written to the Chancellor in advance of next month’s Autumn Statement. They are highlighting the opportunity that the devolution of Air Passenger Duty (APD) to Scotland presents to make the rest of the UK competitive.

Changes to UK visa regime for Chinese tourists – BATA statement

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of changes to visitor visas for Chinese tourists, Nathan Stower, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association, said:

“Making it easier and more convenient for high-spending Chinese visitors to come to the UK could be the dictionary definition of a no-brainer. Today’s announcement is another important step in the right direction and the Prime Minister deserves much credit for recognising the importance of this issue. We will continue to encourage the Government to go further to increase the competitiveness of the UK’s visa system in China and other important markets like India, including early implementation of their plans to reduce the cost of a 10 year multiple entry visit visa from to £822 to £85. UK airlines will continue to play their part in attracting these high value tourists to our shores.”

easyJet Chief Executive gives inaugural BATA annual lecture

The inaugural BATA annual lecture took place on the afternoon of Wednesday 14 October, with Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of easyJet, delivering a speech to an audience of senior industry figures and stakeholders at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.