More than 250 bosses and board members of leading UK companies have joined forces to try to persuade chancellor George Osborne to stop raising APD.
The Fair Tax on Flying alliance of travel companies and organisations has seen 250 CEOs, managing directors and business owners sign an online petition calling for the government to reduce APD, which is scheduled to rise further in April 2014.
Those signing the petition include British Airways chief executive Keith Williams, Heathrow boss Colin Matthews, Virgin Atlantic’s Craig Kreeger and Charlie Cornish of Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The companies are some of the 558 UK-based firms which have given their support to the anti-APD campaign, including several chambers of commerce for major UK cities.
Major corporate to sign the petition include BP, BT, Diners Club International, Orange Business Services and Bank of New York Mellon.
Virgin Atlantic’s Kreeger said: “The support of the chambers of commerce and business associations from around the country highlight the serious concerns they have about the uncompetitive rate of APD, which is the world’s highest air passenger tax.
“As the economy continues to recover, now is the right time for the chancellor and his team to look again at APD in order to help grow exports and inbound tourism.”
The government has so far failed to yield to the travel industry’s demands to cut or abolish APD. A report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers highlighting the benefits of scrapping the aviation tax was dismissed by the Treasury earlier this year.
Petition supporters have also written to Osborne accusing the government of “turning a blind eye” to the impact of APD on UK business.
“We are disheartened that you plan yet more year-on-year rises in APD and urge you in the strongest possible terms to reconsider the government’s approach,” reads the letter.
To sign the online petition, click here