Last week was dominated by issues around Flybe, both
concerning their overall operation and then once that was resolved the decision
on the future of the destination airport for the crucial Newquay-London air
route.
I was concerned about the issues surrounding Flybe and the
financial challenges they were facing. When I heard of the situation last
Monday I make contact with Government Ministers and raised the issue in
Parliament at the first opportunity.
As co-Chair of the Regional Airports All Party Parliamentary
Group I am very aware of how crucial Flybe, as the UK’s biggest domestic
carrier, is to the future of our vital regional airports like Cornwall Airport
Newquay – where they account for more than 70% of passengers who go through the
airport. I am pleased this was recognised and swift action taken by the
government to ensure that Flybe could continue to operate.
The daily route linking Cornwall to London is backed by the
Government through a Public Service Obligation. I was pleased to have it
confirmed that this was secure as the Aviation Minister stated in response to
my question in Parliament.
However, we also need to look at why airlines such as Flybe
are struggling. The UK has the highest Air Passenger Duty (APD) in Europe and
one of the highest in the world.
The aviation industry is taking action to reduce emissions
and they need our support, not to be taxed out of business. If they cannot
invest in new, cleaner aircraft they will continue to use the older more
polluting ones.
We need to work with the industry towards net zero in 2050
not crash the economy in the process. I have been campaigning for the past
three years for the government to reduce APD, particularly on domestic flights
where passengers are charged on both legs of a return journey. I am pleased
that as part of the arrangements made with Flybe the Government has committed
to review regional aviation connectivity including a review of APD.
Once the wider issue on Flybe’s continued operation was
confirmed, on Friday we heard about decision to switch its London route from
Newquay back to Gatwick.
I appreciate many will be disappointed at losing the link to
Heathrow. As someone who worked hard to secure the landing slots as Heathrow
for the Newquay route this time last year, I share the disappointment. However,
in the light of the events of last week the priority has to be securing the
viability of the airline for the future whilst securing the best arrangements
possible for Cornwall.
The package of new routes and additional flights, including
a daily link to Amsterdam, together with securing the four times a day link to
one of the major London airports provides the best available option for
Cornwall. It also allows passengers to plan their flights to and from London
after March.
I have been working hard behind the scenes for some time to
seek to keep the route at Heathrow but having met with representatives of
Virgin, the major shareholder in Flybe I have had to accept that the proposed
changes provide the best way forward for both the airline and Cornwall. I know
there had been growing frustration among many passengers at not being able to
book flights for the spring and summer. At least now this uncertainty is
removed and people can plan and book their journeys.
I will continue to work with all concerned to ensure the
best outcomes for Cornwall Airport Newquay and the Cornish economy.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
