LOW cost airline easyJet has welcomed today’s announcement by the Chancellor to start the process of reforming the Air Passenger Duty.

This is the third time the Government parties state their belief that APD needs to be reformed, following commitments in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat election manifestos and the Coalition agreement.

Commenting on the announcement, easyJet’s chief executive Andy Harrison said: “Four out of five British travellers would be better off under a per plane tax as private jets, cargo aircraft and travellers changing planes in Heathrow will start paying their fair share.

“We applaud the Government’s intention to end of this daft poll tax on passengers, despite fierce resistance from airlines with old aircraft who argue that inefficient flying should continue to be subsidised by efficient airlines who have invested in greener, cleaner aircraft.

“The increase in the overall tax take from November is self-defeating. Aviation is at the heart of international trade and tourism and will be crucial in getting the economy back on the road to recovery. Air tax is already higher in the UK than anywhere else in Europe, and there is simply no scope to increase it further.”