UK frames aviation growth initiative

LONDON - Jobs and innovation are at the heart of a government and industry initiative for developing the UK aviation sector after the pandemic. A peer council of airlines, airports, industry experts and government officials will work together to implement the conceptual 10-point framework.

Launched by Aviation Minister Robert Courts during a visit to Heathrow Airport, "Flightpath to the future" aims to rebuild consumer confidence, build back sustainably from the pandemic, support jobs across the country and build a skilled and diverse workforce that’s fit for the future. 

"The pandemic posed an existential threat to the aviation sector," Courts said. "Now recovery has started, we have a chance to build back better than ever before."

The delivery of the new 10-point plan will be supported by an "Aviation Council" made up of airlines, airports and wider representatives from the aviation sector, as well as ministers and officials from both the UK government and devolved administrations.

The council will work to use the lessons learned from the pandemic to support recovery and make air travel better for passengers and better for the planet. 

As outlined in the strategy, the government will launch a new aviation passenger charter later this year, a one-stop guide for consumers informing them of their rights and what they can reasonably expect of the aviation industry when flying.