UK Aviation

THE CONTRIBUTION OF BRITISH CIVIL AVIATION

Civil Aviation makes a vital contribution to the UK economy through the activity of its airlines, airports, air traffic control services, aircraft manufacturers and the numerous suppliers who provide goods and services to it. It also serves the nation and economy through the journeys, commerce and tourism it facilitates and keeping the UK at the centre of the world stage.

The UK is at the forefront of international aviation. Its airports handle 230 million passengers a year. London Heathrow is the world’s busiest international airport and UK’s largest single employment site. UK airlines, ATC, aero-engine, aerospace systems, manufacturing and technology are world leaders in service, innovation, technology and product development.

The air transport industry directly employs 141,000 people in the UK, increasing to some 234,000 with indirect employment. The Aviation Sector contributes some £8.8 billion, or about 1% of the UK’s annual GDP, excluding the less tangible economic benefits that aviation affords.

There are some 5.5 million Britons living abroad with a focus on France and Spain and key long haul destinations such as Australia, Canada, South Africa, the USA and India. Aviation plays a vital role in enabling them to stay in touch with friends and relatives in the UK.

Despite the adverse impact of the current recession, DfT forecast the industry will be carrying some 450 million passengers by 2030, a virtual doubling of demand. Having grown six fold since 1970, a number of our major airports have insufficient capacity to meet current demand let alone these future needs. Heathrow crucially needs another runway to regains its competitive hub network versus European airports. It currently links only 6 UK regional airports compared with 22 that are linked to Amsterdam. The development of the whole UK economy is inexorably linked with the provision of comprehensive air transport links including by scheduled, charter, business and general aviation services.

The positive contribution of the industry and its further development must not be prejudiced by a lack of investment in vital infrastructure, particularly additional runways and by Government increases in Air Passenger Duty, which is already contributing £3 billion a year to the Exchequer.  The industry is responsible for under 3% of CO² and is committed to meeting international environmental targets. It has reduced fuel burn per passenger mile by 70% in the last 20 years with further reductions planned, yet it has consistently reduced fares in real terms. The industry meets all its investment and operating costs.

The aviation industry is a UK success story that deserves positive policy support from Government.