The Government has announced a package of measures to support the
Flybe airline, which operates the majority of flights to and from
Cornwall Airport Newquay.
This follows action from local MP , who met with Ministerial
colleagues and raised the issue in Parliament this week, after
news came out that the airline was in financial difficulties.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am delighted that the Government has provided support for
Flybe to enable the airline to continue operating.’
“As co-Chair of the Regional Airports All Party Parliamentary
Group I am very aware of how crucial Flybe, as the UK’s biggest
domestic carrier, is to the future vital regional airports like
Cornwall Airport Newquay. I am pleased this has been recognised
and swift action taken by the government.”
“The Public Service Obligation route linking Cornwall to
London is secure as the Aviation Minister stated in response to
my question in Parliament yesterday. The question about whether
this route goes to Heathrow or Gatwick is still being discussed
and I am working to keep it at Heathrow.”
“We also need to look at why airlines such as Flybe are
struggling. The UK has the highest Air Passenger Duty in Europe
and one of the highest in the world.”
“The aviation industry is taking action to reduce emissions
and they need our support, not to be taxed out of business. If
they cannot invest in new cleaner aircraft they will continue to
use the older more polluting ones.”
“We need to work with the industry towards net zero in 2050
not crash the economy in the process.”
