Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Aviation Sector

Thursday 3 February 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government delivered approximately 8 billion of support for the aviation sector during the pandemic.
  • Government is developing a strategic framework to support the aviation sector's recovery.
  • Consideration is being given to the use of public service obligations to help regional airports recover from the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Duguid Con
Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from the need to support the aviation industry which has been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

Question

What steps he is taking to support the aviation sector?

Answer from Robert Courts

We have delivered approximately £8 billion of support for the aviation sector through the pandemic, and we are currently developing a strategic framework to help support the sector's recovery.

Answered
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Q2 David Duguid Con
Transport
Context

Regional airports have faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, leading to questions about potential support measures.

Question

Has he given any thought to how public service obligations could help support regional airports right across the UK, including in Scotland—such as Aberdeen airport, which serves my constituency—to recover from the covid-19 pandemic?

Answer from Robert Courts

We recognise the significant impact that covid-19 has had on regional airports. We will consider whether there are further opportunities to utilise public service obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific use of public service obligations

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Q3 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Transport Business & Trade
Context

The aviation industry is facing difficulties in recovering from the pandemic, including disputes between airlines and airports over landing charges. The questioner points out that there has been a lack of action from the Secretary of State.

Question

Having failed to secure a sector-specific deal from the Treasury, the industry is recovering much more slowly than our international competitors, and now we have the spectacle of an unholy row between airlines and airports on landing charges. With the new rules on slots, we have the prospect of planes flying empty or with half loads. Industry leaders tell me that the Secretary of State has been missing in action, but he has been busy shoring up the beleaguered Prime Minister's whipping operation—we would like to thank him for that. Is it not time for the Secretary of State to step up to the plate when it comes to aviation?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Secretary of State and all members of the Government have been in constant contact with the aviation sector, and it is through that that we have been able to tailor our response. We have given £8 billion of support to the sector. The airport and ground operations support scheme is on top of that, and there is the aviation skills retention platform.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific action plan for addressing current industry issues

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