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.

Minsters urged to put APD abolition ‘back on the table’ to respond to devolution to Scotland

BATA has called on the Government to abolish Air Passenger Duty during this Parliament in its response to a Treasury consultation on APD devolution.

BATA welcomes Scottish Government’s commitment on Air Passenger Duty

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2015-16, British Air Transport Association Chief Executive, Nathan Stower, said:

“The Scottish Government’s commitment to reduce the burden of APD by 50% from 2018, with a view to abolishing completely in due course, is good news for Scottish businesses, families and visitors. Halving the UK’s current rates would bring Scotland broadly in line with Germany’s aviation tax.”

Number of people flying to visit friends and relatives at all-time high

New analysis by the British Air Transport Association of official travel statistics has revealed that more people are taking to the skies to visit friends and relatives (known as ‘VFR’ travel) than ever before.

easyJet CEO Carolyn McCall to deliver the inaugural British Air Transport Association annual lecture

The British Air Transport Association (BATA) is pleased to announce a new annual lecture, which in its inaugural year will be delivered by Carolyn McCall OBE, Chief Executive Officer of easyJet. The event in October will offer BATA members and senior industry stakeholders the opportunity to hear from and question one of the aviation world’s […]

Summer Budget and APD – BATA Response

Responding to today’s Summer Budget, Nathan Stower, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), said: “By failing to properly address the damaging impact of APD in the Budget, the Government has missed a big opportunity to boost trade, tourism and competitiveness. This is disappointing when detailed independent economic analysis suggests that its abolition could increase economic growth, create up to 61,000 jobs, and pay for itself through higher revenues from other taxes.”

BATA response to Airports Commission final report

Responding to the publication of the final report by the Airports Commission, Nathan Stower, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA), said:

“Today’s final report is the result of nearly three years of hard work and detailed independent analysis by Sir Howard Davies and his team. We will study the recommendations and evidence in favour of Heathrow expansion in detail. We urge everyone to do the same with an open mind.”

Jane Middleton is new BATA Chairman

The trade body for UK airlines, the British Air Transport Association (BATA), has appointed a new Chairman. Jane Middleton will take up her role on 1st July, when Dr Barry Humphreys, the Chairman for the last six years, stands down.