Edinburgh West MP, , has today (Tuesday)
written to Flybe executives to seek assurances over the future of
the airline’s operations out of Edinburgh Airport.
The airline, which operates 14 routes to the UK and Europe from
its Edinburgh hub, is currently at risk of going into
administration. It was bailed out last year after falling into
financial difficulty by a consortium led by Virgin Atlantic.
Some 2,400 jobs are at risk if the airline goes under, including
some technical staff roles based at Edinburgh Airport.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s busiest airport and the
6th busiest in the UK. Flybe is one of the
largest operators from Edinburgh and many passengers are reliant
on the routes it operates to other UK regional airports, such as
Manchester.
Following the Government’s announcement that they are
considering a cut to air passenger duty in order to help save the
airline, the Liberal Democrat MP said:
“Many people who live and work in Edinburgh are reliant on the
services that Flybe operates to and from the airport, especially
to other regional airports across the UK.”
“Given the airline’s importance to individuals and businesses in
Edinburgh, I have written to Flybe to seek assurance over the
future viability of the routes it operates from the airport.”
“While I hope the airline can be saved, the government’s solution
of cutting air passenger duty sets an unsustainable and
irresponsible precedent. We should be investing more in our roads
and railways so that passengers across the UK have a range of
viable travel options.”
“Where alternatives to air travel are not possible, we should be
investing in greener and more sustainable alternatives to
kerosene and ensure that UK domestic flights have as small a
carport footprint as possible.”
