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EasyJet lobbies against £1 passenger protection levy
EasyJet has started a campaign to generate public support in advance of the Government’s decision on the Civil aviation Authority’s proposed £1 passenger levy.
The no-frills giant describes the attempt to raise money from passengers to create a £250 million protection fund against scheduled airline collapse as “extortionate and unnecessary”.
The airline has placed adverts in national newspapers against the levy, which is due to be debated by MPs on their return to Parliament today.
EasyJet is calling for consumers to forward their thoughts on the issue, by emailing [email protected].
The airline will contact MPs prior to the vote this evening with the consumer feedback.
If the levy is introduced, eayJet says it is essential the government evaluates the full implications, consider the appropriate amount that would be needed for tour operators and scheduled airlines separately and apply the new tax on UK departing air travellers in a manner that will minimise its impact on both industries.
“The government should be able to demonstrate in the greatest transparency the logic behind its decision,” said the airline.
EasyJet says it would insist on:
*An opt-out for those airlines wishing to offer insurance to their passengers against failure.
*A banded levy, that differentiates between short haul and long haul flights as well as different classes of passengers.
*Strict rules regarding the management of the fund, which will also govern how any increases in the levy, will be handled.
Chief executive Ray Webster said: “EasyJet does not see why the CAA insists on managing the means by which protection is provided, when airlines can provide this far more efficiently through available commercial insurance and using voluntary codes of conduct as seen during the EUJet failure. A set rate levy is not in the interests of the consumers the CAA claims to be attempting to protect.
“Also as Europe’s leading low-cost airline, easyJet’s preference lies with a pan-European approach to such issues instead of a UK centric solution, this ultimately will put the UK airline industry at a disadvantage to its competitors. At a time of high fuel prices, the last thing airlines need is more red tape from government”.
Report by Phil Davies
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