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Easyjet 'to back' new aircraft tax

Easyjet is expected to voice its support for the government's replacement for Air Passenger Duty (APD) today (June 30th).

The no-frills carrier will urge the government to press ahead with plans to replace the current tax on passengers with one on aircraft.

The government is considering scraping APD in November 2009, replacing it with a levy per flight, based on takeoff weight and distance travelled.

Easyjet is launching a £100,000 press advertising campaign, running under the strapline Air tax is changing. Cut out the subsidies.

APD currently charges at £10 to £20 for flights within Europe, depending on whether passengers are flying economy class or in first or business. The price rises to between £40 and £80 for long-haul flights.

The Telegraph said the US ambassador in London has written a letter to the Treasury which reads: "The Treasury's proposal, although cast as an environmental measure, appears in reality to constitute nothing more than a device for generating additional revenue."

Toby Nicol, Easyjet spokesman, said: "Our message to the government is: stand up to the siren voices in the industry. For every person who gets an opt-out, a free ride or a subsidy, someone else is paying and it's not going to be our passengers."

Meanwhile, parliamentary undersecretary for transport Jim Fitzpatrick has hinted the new proposals to replace the APD may be delayed or abandoned.

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