The
UK’s pilots’ association has called on the Government to give the passenger
duty tax it collects on each air ticket back to airlines to help them survive
following the US terrorist attack.
Christopher
Darke, general secretary of the British Airlines Pilots’ Association, believes the
Government must act quickly to shore up stricken airlines because of the fall
in demand.
He
said, "In the USA, congress is currently discussing giving its airlines
immediate cash aid of $5bn with $20 to $24bn of loans to follow.
"Redirecting
the airline passenger duty tax is the most immediate help the Government can
give. It would be short term, but bring long-term benefits. Thousands of jobs
might not have to be cut and UK airlines would not lose their share of what
everyone agrees will be for a time a smaller market."
