Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Aviation Sector 2026-07-16

Thursday 16 July 2026 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are unlocking growth by progressing planning decisions and consulting on the framework for future decisions on Heathrow's third runway.
  • The barriers to a career in aviation are too high, and the Government are committed to supporting recruitment from diverse backgrounds through the Generation Aviation programme.
  • The new Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill will strengthen consumer rights, including measures to address disruptions and cancellations as well as disruptive passengers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Asser Lab
Business & Trade
Context

The aviation sector faces challenges and requires government support to unlock growth.

Question

What steps she is taking to support the aviation sector. The Government are committed to supporting the aviation sector, progressing planning decisions on Heathrow's third runway, modernising airspace through new services, driving decarbonisation, backing sustainable aviation fuel, and providing funding for new low and zero emission technologies.

Answer from Keir Mather

The Government are unlocking growth by progressing planning decisions and consulting on the framework for future decisions on Heathrow's third runway. We are modernising our airspace through the new UK airspace design service and support fund, driving decarbonisation, backing sustainable aviation fuel, providing funding for new low and zero emission technologies, and will publish an updated jet zero strategy in early 2027.

Answered
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Q2 James Asser Lab
Employment
Context

High costs and few funding packages make it difficult for individuals to enter the aviation industry.

Question

Does the Minister agree that we need accessible pathways to pilot training in order to drag the system into the 21st century and to remove it from a position where only a small minority with the financial means can access the industry?

Answer from Keir Mather

My hon. Friend is right that the barriers to a career in aviation are too high, and this Government are committed to supporting recruitment from as diverse a range of backgrounds as possible. Our Generation Aviation programme promotes aviation careers through outreach and apprenticeships to help build a future-ready workforce, reaching over 1 million young people since it began.

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Q3 Olly Glover Lib Dem
Transport
Context

Passenger complaints initially rejected by airlines were upheld in independent reviews, leading to compensation payments.

Question

Does the Minister support the idea of an air passengers' charter, backed by independent regulation, to support airlines in providing improved customer service and consumer confidence?

Answer from Keir Mather

I am glad that the Lib Dem spokesperson shares our concern about consumer rights. The new Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill will strengthen consumer rights, including measures to address disruptions and cancellations as well as disruptive passengers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific idea of an air passengers' charter with independent regulation was not directly addressed.

How: I Am Glad That The Lib Dem Spokesperson Shares Our Concern About Consumer Rights

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