APPG on Heathrow Expansion and Regional Connectivity launches inquiry into Building Aviation Back Better
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heathrow Expansion and Regional Connectivity has launched an inquiry into how the aviation industry can build back in a post Covid-19 world. The APPG is keen to receive evidence from a range of organisations on how to build a more sustainable aviation policy that supports both workers and the environment. People have till 14th September to respond. The sector is unlikely to recover to levels of flying in 2019 till perhaps 2023. This presents an opportunity to reset the UK’s aviation strategy and initiate a green recovery. This should set aviation on a fairer and more sustainable course, while providing any support necessary for workers to shift to green jobs. Aviation policy which must strike an equitable balance between the benefits aviation brings and its adverse environmental, economic and health costs. The issues on which the APPG is seeking comment include the Aviation White Paper, taxation, regional balance, bailouts, the UK policy framework for decarbonisation, and community impacts, such as noise, night flights and air pollution.
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APPG launches inquiry into Building Aviation Back Better
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heathrow Expansion and Regional Connectivity has today (21st July 2020) launched an inquiry into how the aviation industry can build back in a post Covid-19 world.
The APPG is keen to receive evidence from a range of organisations on how to build a more sustainable aviation policy that supports both workers and the environment.
Submissions should be sent to APPGheathrow@gmail.com by Monday 14th September
The full terms of reference for the inquiry can be found here
Inquiry
Building Aviation Back Better: Developing an Environmental Aviation Strategy
21st July 2020
Terms of Reference
The aviation industry is facing challenges like many sectors of the economy and it could take years before demand returns to 2019 levels.
This presents an opportunity to reset the UK’s aviation strategy and initiate a green recovery. This should set aviation on a fairer and more sustainable course, while providing any support necessary for workers to shift to green jobs.
Aviation policy which must strike an equitable balance between the benefits aviation brings and its adverse environmental, economic and health costs.
The APPG is inviting views on how Government policy can best support the industry to build back better for a more sustainable sector.
Key Issues
1. Aviation White Paper
The delay to the publication of the Aviation White Paper provides an opportunity to pause and rethink its priorities to ensure that it delivers for the whole country.
• Is the mantra of ‘growth everywhere’ still feasible in a post-pandemic world?
• How much growth in aviation is compatible with the Net Zero targets?
• What incentive and penalties should be mandated to ensure technological improvements are delivered?
• What options should be considered for demand management?
2. Regional Balance
Government policy is to help rebalance the economy and this should seek to focus any growth in aviation in the regions, within existing planning constraints and ensure that this is compatible with net zero climate targets.
• What support do regional airports require from Government?
• Where would growth in aviation best deliver economic benefit within existing environmental targets?
• What investments in surface transport are require to facilitate fewer car journeys to regional airports?
3. Bailouts
It is likely that many aviation sector businesses will need financial assistance. The UK Government could include social and environmental objectives in any bailout approach as has happened in other European countries.
• What financial support should Government be willing to offer to the aviation sector?
• What conditions should be attached to any financial support?
• Are there any regulatory mechanisms or legislative changes required?
4. Jobs
It is vital that transition arrangements are put in place which ensure that good quality employment in the sector is protected, while also facilitating the development of the skills necessary for roles in the future.
• What level of demand is likely to return to aviation in the next few years and at what pace?
• What policy options does Government have to protect workers (particularly lowskilled and lower-paid workers) in the sector?
• What skills and training do workers require to transition into alternative sectors?
5. Taxation
The Government is due to review the tax arrangements of the aviation sector.
• Are existing aviation taxes fit for purpose?
• How can Government ensure that all aviation companies make a fair contribution to the reduction of emissions?
• Should revenue raised from aviation taxes be directed to investing in emissions reductions technologies?
6. Policy
Framework for Decarbonisation In order to meet Net Zero targets there will need to be a robust framework for decarbonisation from Government with strict targets and incentives to help boost investment and innovation.
• What would these targets and incentives look like?
• What role might be played by electric and hybrid aircraft?
• Are any changes required to the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation?
7. Community Impacts
The operations of aviation have significant impacts on local communities near airports and under flight paths. As demand returns to pre-pandemic levels there is an opportunity to ensure that the most robust mitigation measures are in place.
• Do current noise impact assessments consider changes in the noise environment?
• What impact will the intensification of existing flight paths have on local communities?
• How can improvements in local air quality be secured for the long term?
• What schemes or incentives are required to increase the number of people accessing airports via public transport?
• Can the impact of night flights be mitigated?
How to submit evidence
Please send written submissions of no more than 2,000 words to APPGheathrow@gmail.com by Monday 14th September 2020.
The APPG will publish submissions online at www.APPGheathrowexpansion.com The APPG will consider hosting oral evidence sessions in the Autumn on specific issues that members wish to explore in more depth.
Co-chair of the APPG, David Simmonds, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, said:
“The aviation industry is facing a number of challenges andit could take years for pre-pandemic demand to return. This presents an opportunity to reset the U.K.’s aviation policy to help initiate a green recovery that delivers for the whole of the country. Our enquiry seeks evidence on how aviation policy must now evolve to help support the industry whilst placing the environment at the heart of the strategy.”
Co-Chair Ruth Cadbury, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth said:
“It is clear that the aviation industry has changed dramatically. It is vital that as we transition to a zero-carbon economy that we protect good quality jobs in the sector and facilitate re-skilling opportunities for workers where needed. We must use this period to place greater priority on the community and environmental impacts of aviation.”