Airports in England can apply for up to £8 million each from
today to support fixed costs while travel restrictions remain in place after
the UK government opened up access to the Airport and Ground Operations Support
Scheme.
The financial relief will help airports and ground handlers to
cover losses on costs including airfield operations, contracted services such
as airfield and runway maintenance, and business rate bills.
Transport
secretary Grant Shapps said: “A thriving aviation industry has been central to
the success of this country and while we recognise the testing conditions
airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe that the
sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.
“Today’s scheme is another step
in the right direction, providing vital support for an industry that is raring
to get back to business, once it is safe to do so.”
Aviation
minister Robert Courts said: “We are well aware of the challenges facing the
industry, however, this scheme will give airports and ground handlers in
England a boost, helping them continue to prepare for a future when
international travel is ready to take off again.”
The scheme is open until 21 February and successful applicants
should receive their funding by the end of the financial year.
The government has also waived its
requirement for airlines to operate flights at least 80 per cent of the time to retain
their slots for the summer scheduling season to reflect the current low demand.
"This
not only helps airlines’ finances but reduces the environmental impact of
‘ghost flights’ while ensuring that the slots allocation system works in the
interests of air passengers," said Courts.