Chamber policies take flight

Photo: Journeaux

Flights at Manchester Airport

The Chamber has welcomed a report by the Commons Transport Committee, which urges the Government to get behind regional airports.

Emma Antrobus, Transport Policy Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted that the MPs have listened to the evidence from a wide range of sources, including Chambers, and made recommendations on airport capacity across the UK, and how regional airports can be promoted.

“An open skies policy outside the south east would be very beneficial for Manchester Airport in developing new routes, as businesses are keen to see direct flights to countries with growing economies, as well as traditional markets.

“We are particularly pleased to see our messages around Air Passenger Duty have been adopted - for HM Treasury to gather evidence on the impact of APD on the economy, and what potential in the short term there may be for differential rates for different airports. Their recommendation to introduce an APD holiday on new air routes outside the south east is something we strongly support as it would give airlines an incentive to develop more flights from Manchester Airport."