Aviation Industry — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]

Carmichael highlighted the importance of aviation for his island constituency, emphasizing the need for reliable air services to support economic development. He expressed concern over Loganair's future amid high fixed costs and low bookings. He also criticized the Scottish Government's decision to centralize air traffic control officers in Inverness.

The Chair imposed a four-minute limit for contributions to ensure that many people can participate in the debate. Thanked the Chair for mentioning everybody who spoke in the debate, noting it is a good habit. Can you give some time for the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell to sum up?

The UK Government have abandoned the aviation sector to its fate, not delivering on promises made at the start of the pandemic. The Scottish Government has done more with limited powers than what the UK Government has done with their broader legal and financial powers. Scrapping VAT retail export scheme and airside extra-statutory concession scheme is detrimental to the industry's recovery. Passenger numbers have declined significantly, threatening connectivity for regional airports and rural communities. Fire-and-rehire practices by companies such as Menzies Aviation and British Airways are disreputable and should be addressed.

I am concerned about the abhorrent employment practices, such as 'fire and rehire', adopted by airlines during the pandemic. British Airways threatened to fire all 42,000 staff members and rehire only around 30,000 on reduced terms which resulted in wage cuts of up to 75%. The Minister must clarify whether he agrees that the Government should minimize job losses while protecting pay and employment rights.

Gatwick airport in Henry Smith's constituency has seen a 61% reduction in business since the pandemic began, with 40% job losses. He calls for testing regimes instead of quarantine to compete internationally and advocates reducing or scrapping air passenger duty.

The aviation industry contributes £22 billion to the UK economy, employing 230,000 people. The sector needs a testing mechanism for passengers to fly with confidence, as pent-up demand is evident from an increase in bookings when the air bridge was opened to the Canaries by 112%. Other countries have successfully implemented such mechanisms, but the UK has not.

Lopresti focused on aircraft manufacturing, noting that his constituency hosts Filton, a significant part of the UK's Aerospace Centre of Excellence. He detailed how the sector supports 17,500 jobs in the region and contributes £1 billion annually. Lopresti warned about the challenges facing the industry due to the pandemic, including production cuts and delayed demand recovery.

McDonnell highlighted the impact of the pandemic on workers at Heathrow Airport in his constituency. He criticized companies for using the crisis as an opportunity to reduce wages and withdraw benefits rather than negotiating temporary measures with trade unions. He called for a co-ordinated strategy from the Government, including immediate support for aviation communities and investment in west London's economy.

The MP expressed concern about the drastic reduction in passenger numbers due to the pandemic, projecting that UK airports could lose at least £4 billion by the end of the year. He highlighted job losses across various airlines and airports, stressing the need for a coordinated approach from different government departments. I withdraw my request to intervene.

I ask for regional airports to be assisted with business rates and for the Minister to continue engaging the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on airport testing requirements. Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which has recently seen an expansion by Wizz Air, faces significant challenges due to lockdown measures.

Northern Ireland relies heavily on its aviation manufacturing industry, which is suffering due to a reduction in flights and difficulty connecting with London. Paul Girvan highlights the importance of air passenger duty reform, noting that removing APD could save 130 routes and generate £4 GDP for every £1 spent.

Mr Holmes discussed the challenges faced by Southampton airport due to the pandemic, including reduced flight capacity and pending runway extension. He called for quicker implementation of testing regimes and relief from business rates to help airports survive.

The aviation sector contributes £28 billion to the economy and employs 230,000 people. Despite the furlough scheme, there have been waves of redundancies, including 13,000 at British Airways. The Transport Committee report called BA's actions a 'national disgrace'. Options such as prioritising loans or taking stakes in companies should be considered to ensure better treatment of staff and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

I highlight the need for a confidence-boosting strategy in aviation, suggesting temporary reductions in air passenger duty and questioning the removal of duty-free shopping. The industry requires specific attention to overcome its current difficulties.

He highlighted the importance of Birmingham airport, an economic asset responsible for £1.5 billion in gross value added and 31,000 jobs pre-covid. He emphasized the need to find innovative solutions to support airports amidst reduced passenger numbers due to coronavirus.

She expressed concern about the impact of coronavirus and lack of sector-specific support on Luton's aviation industry, which employs thousands. She criticized the Government's response as inadequate and called for specific actions such as discussions with companies to save jobs.

Ms Malhotra highlighted the urgent need for a plan to support aviation, including passenger testing to reduce quarantine requirements. She called for targeted job support schemes to prevent further redundancies and urged more investment in decarbonisation initiatives.

Jupp discussed the severe impact of reduced flights at Exeter airport due to the pandemic, noting that passenger numbers have dropped by 95%. He called for reforming air passenger duty and scrapping business rates for airports for a year, emphasizing the importance of regional aviation in supporting local economies.