WORLD ROUTES: Fragmented Government Policies “A Problem” for Aviation

Jeff Poole, International Air Transport Association (IATA) director of industry charges, fuel and taxation, told World Routes delegates that different government policies are at odds with each other. He said environmental and economic policies, in countries such as the UK, were “disjointed” adding that the aviation industry needed to come together to deliver a stronger message to governments around the world.

According to Poole, the problem for the aviation industry is there are currently “very many fragmented policies,” even within the same government. “If you look at my own country, the UK, the government is saying they need to boost the economy, but then you have UK air passenger duty, as well as strong pushes on the environmental side. It is disjointed on all sides,” he explained.

Speaking to delegates at the World Route Development Summit at the 18th World Route Development Forum, in Abu Dhabi, Poole said: “The problem is, you have ministers for finance, environment and the consumer, all working in conflict with each other. The only way to overcome this is by advocating more strongly as an industry together.”

(by Steven Thompson)