British Airways and rival carriers are finalising plans to offer a united front in their campaign against the current structure of Air Passenger Duty.
The airlines will join with trade associations to lobby the government ahead of the Budget on March 23 when the chancellor will outline his thinking on APD.
The campaign will urge changes to the banding and rates of tax. The focus on destinations will centre on leisure routes to the Caribbean, which incur the same APD as west coast USA, but from a business travel perspective airlines will also make the case that passengers are transferring at European hubs like Frankfurt and Amsterdam to avoid paying APD on direct long-haul flights from the UK.
Some believe there is also a case for other small adjustments, such as the current inclusion of destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in a higher band than Bangkok despite similar flying times.
Carriers will also urge the government to restructure APD class banding, which penalises travellers in premium economy because it attracts the same APD rates as first class.
The coming together of different interest groups is a major step forward, as previously, some carriers had lobbied for a per plane duty to replace APD. However, those concerned have accepted the need for a united voice when dealing with the Treasury and to lobby for changes to APD before any attempt is made to scrap it altogether.
A BA spokeswoman said the campaign would be led by Abta but would not disclose details. “Lots of travel industry groups are critical of APD and how it is levied, there are various things in the pipeline,” she said.