Virgin Atlantic’s new CEO Craig Kreeger has used his first public address since taking up his new role to call on the Government to cut air passenger duty and invest in new airport capacity.
Speaking at ABTA’s annual Travel Matters conference, Kreeger said: "Other countries have recognised the negative impact of APD on their economies. There are 1,300 new (aviation) jobs in and around Amsterdam that should be in the UK."
He also said APD was having a damaging effect on local economies and in long-haul destinations, including the Caribbean.
He called on the Government to reduce APD and invest in new airport capacity, saying to not do so is "a gigantic growth opportunity being missed".
Following Kreeger’s comments, secretary of state for transport Patrick McLoughlin told the conference any decisions on APD would be made by the Treasury.
ABTA CEO Mark Tanzer said: "We’re pleased to see that the secretary of state is keen to meet the industry and hear its views at ABTA’s Travel Matters event.
"Nevertheless, progress on the issues of reducing APD and increasing aviation capacity by repeated Government administrations has been glacial. There is a strong appetite from the industry, which is apparent today, to see swift action from the Government to address these issues and to help generate growth."
