Airlines hit by rise in UK duty

AIRLINES have been targeted in a UK tax increase that will see passengers pay more when they fly out of British airports.

At a time when carriers have reduced services and even pulled out of flying to Jersey altogether, the news has been described as ‘disappointing’ by the Assistant Eceonomic Development Minister in charge of the Island’s aviation, Senator-elect Alan Maclean.

From November 2009, air passenger duty is to be raised by at least ten per cent and will double in some cases by 2010. The increase is part of UK chancellor Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report to boost environmental credentials as well as Treasury coffeurs.

Deputy Maclean (pictured) said that the increase was ‘particularly unwelcome’ given the tough economic climate. ‘It is disappointing news,’ he said. ‘At a time when consumers are being squeezed in every direction, it is particularly unwelcome.

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