The UK government released details on Thursday of a plan to rebuild the aviation sector, with a focus on job creation and sustainable recovery. Industry bodies have welcomed the Flightpath to the Future plan, which includes the formation of a new Aviation Council to facilitate ongoing dialogue between sector representatives and government.
UK aviation minister Robert Courts outlined the 10-point strategy during a visit to Heathrow Airport, stating the plan will work to decarbonise the supply chain, restore traveller confidence and support job creation to “build back better”.
“By working closely with the sector to focus on sustainable growth, powered by the latest innovations, we can ensure aviation creates jobs and opportunities across all four nations of the UK,” he said.
The 10-point plan is divided into four focus areas: enhancing the UK’s global aviation impact in the wake of the pandemic; embracing innovation for a sustainable future, which includes a path to achieve jet zero by 2050; rebuilding skills and creating an attractive workplace; and improving the traveller experience.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at travel association ABTA, commended the aviation strategy, which he said sets out a framework for the future success of the UK’s travel industry.
“As we emerge from the crisis, there are many critical challenges ahead, including rebuilding consumer confidence, driving forward the sustainability agenda, and ensuring travel remains an attractive place to work. Constructive and regular engagement between industry and government will be required to tackle these challenges successfully, and we particularly welcome the formation of the Aviation Council which will help to facilitate an ongoing dialogue,” he said.
Dale Keller, chief executive of the UK’s Board of Airline Representative, applauded the strategy’s long-term recovery goals, highlighting the need for progressive policies.
“Past strategies for aviation have been too limited in ambition and scope so embarking on a more progressive policy around planning, implementation and delivery for long term success will be vital to supporting recovery and sustainable development of the sector.”
He added: “Airlines look forward to bringing their learnings and expertise to the new Aviation Council as it develops the balanced and internationally competitive polices with effective oversight needed to support innovation and continuous improvement across the aviation sector for the benefit of the whole country.”
Airport Operators Association chief executive, Karen Dee, said she looks forward to working with government, through the newly-established council, to rebuild vital aviation links to support trade and encourage job creation across all regions of the UK.
Meanwhile, Richard Moriarty, chief executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, praised the government’s sustainability agenda.
“As aviation recovers, we share government’s ambitions for the sector to build back to become cleaner, greener, more innovative and to continue prioritising safety and delivering for its consumers,” he said.
As part of the plan, the UK government will launch a new aviation passenger charter later this year – a one-stop guide for consumers informing them of their rights and what they can reasonably expect of the aviation industry when flying.
The Flightpath to the Future plan comes less than two weeks after the government launched a competition to deliver the world’s first net zero transatlantic flight. Later this year it will also publish its jet zero strategy and set out a vision to reach net zero by 2050.