- airports and ground handlers in England will be eligible to
receive up to £8 million each
- significant investment to ease pressure on airports hit by
the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- scheme reflects the sector’s valuable contribution to the UK
economy
Airports across England are set to receive a boost as the
government’s financial support scheme opens for applications
today (29 January 2021).
Commercial airports and ground handlers will be able to apply for
up to £8 million each to support with fixed costs while travel
restrictions remain in place. The financial relief will help
airports and ground handlers to cover losses on costs including
airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and
runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
The investment will help airports and ground handlers, following
the introduction of international travel restrictions designed to
protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Recognising the crucial role the sector plays and its
contribution to the UK economy, the scheme will support the
aviation industry while the government continues to roll out its
vaccination programme.
Transport Secretary said:
A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of
this country and while we recognise the testing conditions
airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I
believe that the sector will be ready to bounce back once
restrictions are lifted.
Today’s scheme is another step in the right direction,
providing vital support for an industry that is raring to get
back to business, once it is safe to do so.
Aviation Minister said:
The aviation sector plays a crucial role in our economy,
contributing £22 billion directly to the UK economy and
supporting around half a million jobs.
We are well aware of the challenges facing the industry,
however, this scheme will give airports and ground handlers in
England a boost, helping them continue to prepare for a future
when international travel is ready to take off again.
Airports and ground handlers will be able to apply to the Airport and
Ground Operations Support Scheme online and, if successful,
should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
The financial support scheme, which follows the government’s
extension of the Job Retention Scheme,
is open for applications from today until 21 February 2021.
The government has also provided flexibility to airlines to
support them during this difficult time – extending the waiver of
the ‘80:20’ slot usage rule in time for the summer scheduling
season. This removes the requirement for airlines to operate
flights at least 80% of the time to retain their slots, to
reflect the current low demand for air travel.
This not only helps airlines’ finances but reduces the
environmental impact of ‘ghost flights’ while ensuring that the
slots allocation system works in the interests of air passengers.
The government acknowledges the severe impact that the COVID-19
pandemic has had on the travel sector as a whole and continues to
provide support while international travel is paused.
National restrictions for
England introduced on 6 January 2021 continue to remain in
place, meaning that everyone must stay at home unless travelling
for a very limited set of reasons.
