UK hubs will be hit by changes in Air Passenger Duty as long-haul passengers fly via European alternatives.
Titus Johnson, Air Berlin general manager UK and Ireland, said: “Under the chancellor’s new ADP regime, families choosing to fly long-haul will really feel the pinch on direct UK departures.
“As a result, connections via European points will be much more attractive – for example, a family of four will be able to save up to £292 from November 2010.â€
To demonstrate the savings, Air Berlin issued the following comparisons:
London to Cancun, Mexico (4954 miles) will be in new APD Band C, costing £50 per person in 2009, £75 in 2010.
Fly with Air Berlin (London Stansted-Dusseldorf-Cancun) and passengers will pay only APD on the London-Dusseldorf leg (Band A under 2,000 miles) of £11 per person in 2009, £12 in 2010. This will save passengers £39 per person in 2009 and £63 per person in 2010.
London to Phuket, Thailand (6,150 miles) will be in the new APD Band D, costing £55 per person in 2009, £85 in 2010.
Fly with Air Berlin (London Stansted-Dusseldorf-Phuket) and only pay APD on London-Dusseldorf leg (Band A under 2,000 miles) for £11 per person in 2009, £12 in 2010. This will save passengers £44 per person in 2009 and £73 per person in 2010.
By Bev Fearis
