Almost 7000 UK based pilots have today written to the Prime
Minister ahead of the publication the Government’s roadmap for
lifting restrictions to press for the inclusion of aviation,
travel and tourism and for the urgent introduction of an
Aviation, Travel and Tourism Recovery Plan that includes
financial support.
The letter which was organised by pilots union BALPA and the
All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation
acknowledges the need for public health measures but highlights
that it is ‘beyond doubt that the sector has reached breaking
point’ and that the ‘aviation industry remains in a
moment of crisis and the need for action is both urgent and
essential.’
As a result of the collapse in passenger numbers, thousands of
pilots have either lost their jobs or have been placed on
furlough with many worried about the impact the current
restrictions will have on their livelihoods.
They are calling for:
- An extension to the Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme
- A clear roadmap out of the current
restrictions
- The urgent introduction of an Aviation,
Travel and Tourism Recovery Plan that includes financial support
This follows similar calls made by over 80 parliamentarians and
100 leading businesses and business groups across the UK economy
who depend on ‘the aviation, travel and tourism sectors being
fighting fit, not running on empty’ for a roadmap out of the
restrictions and a comprehensive support package.
Commenting Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary said “Pilots
recongise that is a moment of crisis for the aviation and travel
industry, which is why so many have signed this joint letter to
. The current situation cannot continue; the PM must
announce a roadmap out of this along with significant financial
support for the industry and ensure his Government ends the
damaging mixed messages around summer holidays.
“We need a vibrant aviation and travel industry to survive
through this crisis in order to power our Covid recovery, global
connectivity, trade and tourism once this pandemic is over.”
, Chair of the APPG for the Future of Aviation added:
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen parliamentarians,
businesses, business groups, leading industry figures and now
pilots unite to call for a roadmap out of the travel restrictions
when it is safe to do so.
“These calls must be heard by the Government and plans for the
safe reopening of international travel must form a part of the
Prime Minister’s upcoming roadmap out of lockdown and they need
to work with industry to agree a clear criterion that allows
international travel to resume when safe to do so.
“As we look towards our recovery, the Government must take action
to support our aviation, travel and tourism industries that are
currently running on empty. This includes publishing a clear
roadmap out of the restrictions alongside a full aviation, travel
and tourism rescue package.”
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A copy of the open letter wording is attached.
