p2 Contents jun 19 17/6/09 22:02 Page 2
Welcome, Lord
Adonis. Here’s what
news
we want you to do
MARIJKE HUXLEY is not the only new entrant into the
world of travel this week. She is joined by Lord Adonis,
who becomes the third transport secretary in a year.
We wish him well. During the worst recession any
of us have experienced, travel and tourism needs
support from our leading politicians more than ever.
So, what should be on his list of priorities?
The forthcoming rise in Air Passenger Duty (APD)
this week
must be at the top of his agenda. APD has been
increased substantially on the premise that the
money raised – over £2 billion a year – is then
ploughed back into environmental projects.
We all know this isn’t happening. Over the
next two years, the government intends to
increase APD by up to 113%. This will be highly
damaging, not only to airlines and those who WHAT A WEEK TO BE ASKED TO JUMP INTO THE CHAIR AS
directly employ thousands of people in the tourism GUEST EDITOR! It’s congratulations to stalwart editor Lucy Huxley
industry, but also to many countries. Jamaica, whose who has become proud mum of daughter Marijke. I’m pleased to say
prime minister has been visiting this week, is that Marijke is born at the same time as we at Virgin Atlantic celebrate
one such country that will see a sharp downturn in 25 years since we started with one leased B747 flying the Gatwick-
travellers who are being forced by government to Newark route. All of us, including Marijke, face a fascinating new era.
pay much more for the privilege of leaving the UK. The next 25 years will no doubt offer us a rollercoaster ride. Hang on!
The Caribbean relies on the jet engine to power
its economy and higher APD will only weaken its
position. The planned APD hikes must be abandoned STEVE’S PICKS OF THE WEEK…
and the tax scrapped when the European emissions
trading scheme comes into force in three years’ time. Summer 2009. APD.
Airlines know that they have to pay their way for Late-booking discount fear p4 MPs face Caribbean fight p10
the contribution they make to carbon emissions. Trade fears “massive discounting” Caribbean politicians are
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering in this area, with as operators have large amounts of increasing the pressure on Labour
initiatives such as testing cleaner biofuels in flight. stock and school holidays approach MPs over Air Passenger Duty
But we need to know that the industry can expand
in a sustainable way. That’s why we support the Agent sales. ATE 2009.
government’s plans for a third runway at Heathrow, Airlines to rethink reward p5 Australia eyes fares fillip p13
subject to strict environmental criteria being met. Airlines could be forced to scrap Australia is hoping rock-bottom air
A third runway will ensure that UK plc stays volume-based sales and marketing fares could help it overcome slump
ahead of its European rivals, otherwise travellers agreements and find a new way of
will bypass Britain and onward-fly from Paris rewarding the travel trade Commission.
and Amsterdam. The government must keep Virgin Holidays cutbacks p18
stressing the importance of this infrastructure. Corfu trial. Operator cuts back the number of
And finally, the last thing travellers need Industry will defend reps p6 agents it works with and reduces
is a large hike in Atol charges. Talk of A guilty verdict in the trial of two commission levels for others
£3 per traveller is way too high. Thomas Cook reps over the deaths
It would be helpful for the new of two children would be met with Flights.
transport secretary to signal fierce opposition from the industry, Edinburgh-NY link ‘safe’ p22
that excessive extra charges according to Noel Josephides Continental has promised it has no
won’t help the industry to intention of axing Scotland service
survive, let alone grow. Aito.
Exploit tactical air fares p9 REGULARS.
Steve Ridgway
Tactical air fare offers have given Columnist p20
Guest Editor
the trade an opportunity to get Air p22
back in touch with dormant clients, Operators p24
according to a luxury operator Letters p26
02 19.06.2009
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