SASIG May Newsletter

Editor’s Highlights

A shortened month in Parliament due to the Whitsun recess was nevertheless full of activity relating to air transport, as first the Transport Select Committee held hearings on the impact of COVID-19 on industry and then Ministers made a number of important statements not least about a future quarantine for inbound international passengers to be introduced in June 2020. The industry has reacted strongly to these plans and the issue can be expected to become a running sore throughout June. In addition, Heathrow has been given leave to appeal the recent High Court Judicial Review decision to the Supreme Court.

Airlines have continued to make plans to re-open services over the summer and airports are seeking to find ways to protect the safety of their passengers within in their facilities, while continuing to face many difficult public health constraints and potentially costly additional procedures being imposed by Government which may have significant space and processing time implications. The Home Office, Public Health England and DfT’s Aviation Re-start and Recovery Task Force are at the forefront of these negotiations. 

A reflection of the enormous degree of flux and uncertainty the industry faces are that many industry events that typically take place in the late spring and early summer have been postponed, cancelled or placed on-line. SASIG is not immune to such problems and consequently we have chosen to postpone our July meeting until 1 October.

In the interim, however, SASIG has been pro-active. First we have secured regular monthly meetings with DfT officials so that we are kept in the loop and consulted on matters of importance to local authorities and communities; and we have also been promised a place on the external Expert Group underpinning the Task Force when it moves on from crisis management to the recovery phase. Second, we are discussing the issue of how Business Rates and airports has been handled with LGA corporate and have agreed a process aimed at making representations on the issue to DfT, MHCLG and HMT in early July, with SASIG in the lead. Members will be receiving a questionnaire on the issue shortly and a speedy response would be appreciated. 

Finally, SASIG has also been busy pulling together a consortium of authorities whose finances and local economies have been affected by the huge impact COVID-19 has had on the industry. We have secured DfT’s interest in the work and aim to make a start by 12^th June. Although we have a significant number of participants, we ae still seeking more, because the wider the functional and geographical scope of local authorities involved, the better and more influential the findings and recommendations of the work will be when they are presented to DfT and other Whitehall Departments. For those not yet participating the costs are modest, the outputs generated are expected to be informative and the opportunity remains open. Please contact the Secretariat for further details.

Chris Cain

Head of Secretariat

Monthly Highlights

6^th May – Transport Select Committee: Coronavirus: Implications for Transport. Calls for Evidence formal meeting (oral evidence session). Further details of the Calls for Evidence may also be seen here.

11^th May – Transport Select Committee: Calls for Evidence: Coronavirus – Implications for Transport: Examination of witness Witness: Willie Walsh. This is the TSC’s second evidence session on coronavirus and the implications for aviation. The document may be seen here.

To note: two consultations have been extended due to the COVID-19 crisis:

• CAA criteria for Assessing and Accepting the Airspace Change Masterplan. This will now end on 26 June 2020.
• Government consultation on Freeports. This will now end on 13 July 2020.

Events, Meetings and Conferences

SASIG Meetings

1^st October. 11am-1pm: SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London). This replaces the meeting originally scheduled for 17th July 2020: (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London). 

19^th November 2020: 11am-1pm: SASIG full meeting (Venue: LGA, Smith Square, London)

External Conferences (please note: some changes due to COVID-19 crisis)

• 11-13 June 2020: AeroExpo UK: The UK’s festival of aviation. Wycombe Air Park. (Cancelled until June 2021-see below).

• 30 June-2 July 2020: LGA Annual Conference & Exhibition: Harrogate. (Cancelled-future date tba) 

• 5-6 October: British-Irish Airports EXPO: Venue will be ExCel, London. (Rescheduled from 9-10 June).

• 10-12 June 2021: AeroExpo UK: The UK’s festival of aviation. Wycombe Air Park.

Parliamentary and Government News

6^th May – Transport Select Committee: Coronavirus: Implications for Transport. Calls for Evidence formal meeting (oral evidence session). 

(On this day, the Houses both also rose for May Day Long Weekend and returned on 11^th May).

11^th May – Transport Select Committee: Calls for Evidence: Coronavirus – Implications for Transport: Examination of witness Witness: Willie Walsh. This is the TSC’s second evidence session on coronavirus and the implications for aviation. The document may be seen here.

21st May – Both houses rose for the Whitsun Adjournment and will return on Tuesday 2 June. 

Transport Questions:  House of Commons: 

12^th May:  COVID 19: Transport
The Secretary of State for Transport made a statement about the new transport guidance for passengers and operators that was published by the Department today.

18^th May: UK Aviation Sector
A question was asked on What discussions the SoS has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of the UK aviation sector. Further details may be seen here.

Another question was asked as to what steps the Government are taking to support aviation sector workers during the covid-19 lockdown. More details can be seen here.

A question was also asked about what discussions the Department has had with representatives of British Airways on its planned restructuring. Further details here.

20^th May: Manston Airport: Reopening and Development
A written statement was given to inform that the deadline for the decision to be made has been extended to 10 July to enable further work to be carried out. Details here.

Transport Questions:  House of Lords

5^th May: Aviation & Tourism
Lord Blencathra asked what steps Government plan to take to ensure airlines and tour companies refund people for costs incurred following the cancellation of flights and holidays. The Question was considered in a Virtual Proceeding via video call and can be seen here.

14^th May: COVID 19: Transport
This Statement was made on Tuesday 12 May in the House of Commons.

20^th May: Air quality and emissions
A question was asked about what improvement there has been in air quality, emissions and other environmental indicators since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced. The debate included aviation.

Parliamentary Questions: 

Q.1. Question (41984) asked by Grahame Morris (Easington) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing financial assistance to the aviationsector during the covid-19 outbreak by introducing airline rescue packages equivalent to those taken by Governments in (a) the US, (b) Singapore, (c) Germany, (d) The Netherlands, (e) France, (f) Italy, (g) Australia, (h) Norway, (i) Sweden and (j) Finland”.  

A. Steve Barclay on 11 May 2020: “The Government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation sector as a result of COVID-19 and the Chancellor wrote to the aviation sector on 24 March to set out the Government’s position and the support measures available. The Government has announced an unprecedented package of support for workers and businesses to protect against the current economic emergency. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which help firms to retain employees. This Scheme will allow businesses to put employees on temporary leave, with the Government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month, providing the business keeps the person employed. The Government is also prepared to enter negotiations with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted other options. However further taxpayer support would only be possible if all commercial avenues have been fully explored, including raising further capital from existing investors and discussing arrangements with financial stakeholders”.

Q.2. Question (41985) asked by Grahame Morris (Easington) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of publicly financing (a) smaller airports, (b) air traffic control and (c) specific routes to retain regional connectivity after the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 12 May 2020: “The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and we encourage airports, airlines and other businesses in the sector to draw on the unprecedented package of measures we have made available to support them through this time. This includes schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. The measures have been designed to ensure that companies of any size receive the help they need to get through this difficult time – which could include small airports as well as large, and others in the aviation supply chain. The Government is willing to consider the situation of individual firms, so long as all other government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted, including raising capital from existing investors. Any intervention would, of course, need to represent value for money for taxpayers. The Government recognises the importance of regional connectivity to the nations and regions of the UK, and the positive impact that regional airports have on local economies, including providing domestic and global connectivity, employment opportunities, and a hub for local transport. The Department for Transport has set up a Restart, Recovery and Engagement unit to work with the aviation sector on the immediate issues around restart, and its longer-term growth and recovery”.

Q.3. Question (41986) asked by Grahame Morris (Easington) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect on regional connectivity of the problems in the aviationsector resulting from the covid-19 outbreak”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 12 May 2020: “Her Majesty’s Government recognises that the aviation sector is vital for providing domestic and global connectivity, employment opportunities, and a hub for local transport. We are committed to supporting the recovery of the sector to support our levelling up agenda through regional connectivity and strengthen ties within the Union. We recognise the importance of maintaining a thriving competitive aviation sector in the UK to deliver connectivity”.

Q.4. Question (42168) asked by Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions has he had with representatives from managers of UK airports on ensuring airports are ready to return to receiving regular fights after the covid-19 outbreak”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 6 May 2020: “The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available”.

Q.5. Question (41990) asked by Grahame Morris (Easington) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will provide financial support for (a) airports and (b) airlines in return for shareholdings”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 12 May 2020: “The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and we encourage airports, airlines and other businesses in the sector to draw on the unprecedented package of measures we have made available to support them through this time. This includes schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. We have set out that the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted all other options. Any intervention would also be on commercial terms and need to represent value for money for taxpayers”.

Q.6. Question (41991) asked by Grahame Morris (Easington) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will establish an aviation sector group comprising Ministers, aviation unions and the private sector, to (a) assess the issues facing the industry as a result of covid-19 and (b) develop a strategic plan for the sector”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 12 May 2020: “The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and the government recognises the challenging times it is facing as a result of COVID-19. Our transport systems are critical to support the restart of the wider economy and we are working closely with the wider aviation sector, including unions, on these restart plans and the longer-term recovery of the sector”.

Q.7. Question (41877) asked by Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) on 1 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to introduce a period of quarantine for people arriving at UK airports from abroad”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 6 May 2020: “The Department for Transport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available”.

Q.8. Question (HL4074) asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick on 6 May 2020: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures have been put in place to protect the safety of passengers (1) travelling to airports, (2) in airports, and (3) on aircraft”.

A. Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 21 May 2020: “The Government has recently published safer travel guidance for passengers, including advice on social distancing and face coverings. Public Health England advises that there are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and after taking them off”.

Q.9. Question (HL3945) asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem on 5 May 2020: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the (1) aerospace, (2) aviation, and (3) automotive industries in the UK”.

A. Lord Callanan on 20^th May 2020: “We are supporting the aerospace industry through the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) with £1.95 billion of funding for research and development (R&D), matched by industry, over 13 years up to 2026. UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) is also providing £125 million to the Future Flight Challenge for research on greener ways of flying through advances in electric and autonomous flight technology, which is expected to generate an additional £175 million of match-funding from industry. We are also co-investing in aerospace productivity improvement and innovation programmes to support small and medium-sized businesses backed with over £135 million of public funding. In addition, aerospace companies are currently drawing upon the unprecedented £330 billion package of additional COVID-19 business support measures that the Government has put in place. We are in discussion with the sector, through the AGP, about how to best support the industry to recover.

Aviation is also an important sector for the UK’s economy, and businesses across the industry will also be able to draw on our package of economic measures. This includes a Bank of England scheme for firms to raise capital, two business interruption loan guarantee schemes for businesses of all sizes, Time to Pay flexibilities with tax bills, financial support for employees, and VAT deferrals. If businesses across these sectors face severe and urgent financial difficulties due to COVID-19 following the Government’s cross-economy wage and financial interventions, we remain open to discussions about bespoke financial support as a last resort. Any intervention would need to protect the interests of taxpayers. Requests may be made formally, in writing, to the Business Secretary.

Furthermore, the Government has a long-standing programme of support to maintain the competitiveness of the UK automotive sector. Through our landmark Automotive Sector Deal, we have secured joint investment and long-term commitments to develop world-leading battery technologies, positioning the UK as the location of choice for the development and deployment of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The Government, alongside industry, has jointly committed almost £1.5 billion through the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Faraday Battery Challenge to research, develop, and commercialise low-carbon automotive innovations. In October last year, we announced up to £1 billion of new money to support R&D to support electric vehicle manufacture”.

Q.10. Question (46106) asked by Conor McGinn (St Helens North) on 12 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on airports in (a) the North West and (b) other regions”.

A. Kelly Tolhurst on 6 May 2020: “The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and the government recognises the challenging times facing the sector as a result of COVID-19. The Government continues to work closely with airports to support them to ensure there is sufficient capacity to protect global travel routes, to continue repatriation and freight, and to maintain vital connectivity. The aviation sector will be able to draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor. We have been clear that if individual companies find themselves in trouble as a result of coronavirus and have exhausted the measures already available to them, then we are prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort. However, any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers”.

Q.11. Question (HL4298) asked by Baroness Randerson on 12 May 2020: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the aviation sector about the impact of the proposed 14 day quarantine period on that industry”.

A. Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 19 May 2020: “The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and the Government recognises the challenging times it is facing as a result of COVID-19. The Department for Transport has kept an open dialogue with the aviation sector and put in place regular structured engagement on both Ministerial and official level. Recent discussions have included the impact of the proposed 14 day quarantine period. In addition, the International Aviation Taskforce has been established which aims to:

• ensure that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phased approach and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input;
• agree and ensure alignment of all relevant sectoral guidance; and
• provide key sector stakeholders direct access to Ministers to shape the guidance.

Our transport systems are critical to support the restart of the wider economy and we continue to work closely with the aviation sector on these restart plans and the longer-term recovery of the sector”.

Q.12. Question (47288) asked by Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) on 15 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the financial situation of the airline sector”.
A. Kelly Tolhurst on 6 May 2020: “The Department for Transport is working with airlines, airports and unions to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector and its workers”.

Q.13. Question (HL4075) asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick on 6 May 2020: “To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the resilience, and (2) the financial situation, of airlines which operate in the UK”.

A. Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 21 May 2020: “We recognise that airlines are facing a number of challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. They have seen unprecedented falls in demand which have had a significant impact of their financial position. To this end we are maintaining a regular dialogue with airlines across the sector to understand the positions they are in and to encourage them to draw on the unprecedented package of cross-economy financial support measures which the Government has made available. This engagement sits alongside the work of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in its role as independent regulator of the UK aviation sector. The CAA is responsible for the assessment of UK airlines under the formal licensing regime, and the financial health of airlines is taken into consideration throughout this process”.

Q.14. Question (47184) asked by Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) on 15 May 2020: “To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support former employees of the UK aviation sector who have been made redundant due to the covid-19 outbreak”.

A. Mims Davies on 27 May 2020: “We know this is a worrying time for people and we stand ready to support anyone impacted by job loss. In response to Covid-19 we have established an alternative service to our usual face to face offer. People will be able to access redundancy help and job search advice on the Department’s new Job Help campaign website (www.jobhelp.dwp.gov.uk). There’s also information on gov.uk and updated information packs provided to employers to help them signpost employees to the support that is available. The support includes:

• Connecting people to jobs in the labour market
• Helping with job search including CV writing, interview skills, where to find jobs and how to apply for them
• Helping to identify transferable skills and skills gaps (linked to the local labour market)
• Advising what benefits they may get and how to claim

The Rapid Response Service is co-ordinated nationally by the National Employer and Partnership Team (NEPT) and managed by Jobcentre Plus. Delivery partners include the National Careers Service, local training providers, employers, HMRC, Money Advice Service and the skills bodies in England.

These services are offered by equivalents in the Devolved Administrations PACE (Scotland) and ReAct (Wales). Redundancy support in Northern Ireland is devolved with separate funding and delivery arrangements where no partner support is available”.

National and Regional News

1^st May – Heathrow CEO disappointed that Government is not supporting the aviation sector. He said it perhaps did not realise the importance of aviation to the wider economy.

1^st May – Heathrow CEO says only ‘low risk’ passengers will be able to fly from airport. He didn’t explain who he deemed as low risk or how long this restriction could be in place.

2^nd May – Planes unlikely to be flying from Leeds Bradford until June. A spokesman said the airport remains open but with a significant reduction in outbound and inbound flights.

4^th May – Heathrow boss says social distancing at airports will be impossible. The problem would be the lack of space at the airport. 

4^th May – Terminal 4 at Heathrow is now closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Over the weekend, the last remaining airlines based at T4 shifted to T2.

5^th May – Greater Manchester councils invest millions to help airports. They have agreed a financial package for MAG, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports. 

5^th May – Stop Stansted Expansion Group want airport growth plan to be abandoned. It has written to the airport CE to ask that planning application be withdrawn.

6^th May – West Sussex council leader shocked at Virgin Atlantic’s decision to withdraw from Gatwick. He is particularly concerned at how it will affect workers in Crawley area. 

6^th May – Heathrow CE says due o COVID-19 it could be 10-15 years before UK needs a third Heathrow Airport runway.  He was speaking at a meeting of the Transport Select Committee looking into the impact of coronavirus on UK Transport.

7^th May – Supreme Court grants Heathrow’s right to 3^rd runway appeal. CE said the effects of Covid-19 may delay the need for the runway but that it was still vital.

7^th May – MAG announces passengers travelling through Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports must wear face coverings and gloves from today.  Further details here. 

9^th May – To campaigners’ dismay, Heathrow and Gatwick are pushing on with plans to increase capacity. Further details of this Guardian article can be seen here.

9^th May – Open ended 14-day flight quarantine would devastate airports says Regional and City Airports. It has written to Government asking for a clear exit strategy if this goes ahead.

11^th May – Easyjet and Heathrow want early exit from quarantine rules. Prime Minister said it was needed for people coming into UK by air to prevent second peak of pandemic.

11^th May – Stansted boss uncertain over quarantine proposals. He has called upon the Government to produce a plan for restarting the aviation industry. 

12^th May – Prime Minister is pressed on need to support Gatwick’s aviation sector. Crawley MP lobbies PM during question time.

13^th May – Work is to commence on transformation of Gatwick Airport station. This project is expected to reduce overcrowding, boost accessibility and minimise passenger delays.

13^th May – New photos show £150m Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plans. The overhaul is one step closer to being built after the plans were submitted to Leeds Council.

14^th May – Berkshire Council leader is ‘not surprised’ by latest Supreme Court decision regarding Heathrow expansion. RBWM does not support Government over its plans. 

15^th May – East Midlands Airport boss reveals what is happening at the airport and her hopes for the future. Details may be seen here. 

15^th May – Bath and North East Somerset council opposes Bristol Airport application for more summer night time flights. Details may be seen here. 

16^th May – Supreme Court to hear 3^rd runway appeal in October. Heathrow appeal to be hear on 7-8 October.

17^th May – An article in the Guardian titled: ‘Is the Covid-19 crisis the catalyst for greening the world’s airlines?’ can be seen here.

18^th May – Boost for train link connecting Liverpool Airport with the city centre. Airport CE says improved connectivity with city is ‘top priority’.

18^th May – Protestors say Leeds Bradford Airport expansion is ‘unsustainable’ and ‘unnecessary’. Owners want to increase passenger numbers from 4 to 7 million by 2030.

18^th May – Newquay Airport to re-open for flights from 1st July. This week British Airways are also expected to announce a service to Heathrow. 

21^st May – Heathrow introduces temperature checks for passengers arriving into UK. Thermal screening cameras monitoring temperatures are being trialled. 

21^st May – Newquay Airport Chairman gives update on future of London flights. Further details may be seen here and here.

21^st May – Recreational flying is allowed again at Carlisle Airport following some relaxation of lockdown rules. Private pilots will once again be allowed to take to the skies.  

22^nd May – Huge £282m improvement scheme for M42 by Birmingham Airport given go-ahead. It has been approved by the Transport Secretary and will support access to the airport.

22^nd May – Birmingham Airport expansion paused. The airport confirmed it is due to growing fears that the Covid-19 pandemic will hit the air travel sector for years to come.

22^nd May – Work begins on project to improve Gatwick Airport railway station. The 2-year project includes doubling the size of the station concourse. and widening two platforms.  

23^rd May – An article in the Yorkshire Post titled: ‘Stop expanding airports: climate change is a bigger threat than this pandemic’ can be seen here. 

24^th May – Local business and tourism groups support Leeds Bradford Airport expansion plan. They say planned new terminal and flying times could massively benefit the economy.

24^th May – Southend councillor says night flights at Southend airport need to be reconsidered.  Further details may be seen here.

24^th May – Luton BC looking at making savings. Council described the impact of the projected drop in revenue from the airport as a “nightmare scenario”.

25^th May – Birmingham Airport boosted by M42 upgrade go-ahead. Highways England has received permission from Transport Secretary to proceed with upgrade of M42 and Junc. 6.

25^th May – An article in the Herts Advertiser discussing the proposed expansion of Luton Airport can be seen here.

27^th May – Figures reveal the reduction in passenger numbers at Stansted in lockdown. They collapsed by over 99% in the first full month of lockdown.

28^th May – £820m station and rail link plan for East Midlands Airport. This could form the cornerstone of £2.7 billion plans to link more of the region to HS2.

28^th May – Anti-drone system installed at Bristol Airport. Implementation follows a three month pilot project with Bristol Airport Authority, local police and other security agencies.

29^th May – Local councillor joins calls for Leeds Bradford Airport expansion to be put on hold. Feels that the pandemic will reduce the need for a bigger facility. 

30^th May – MP calls on Government support for Southampton Airport. The airport has been hit hard by the collapse of Flybe plus the impact from the coronavirus pandemic.

Other Aviation Industry News

1^st May – £5.7m lifeline for Derry & Belfast City airports and airlines during COVID-19 crisis. This support will be for a period of three months.

3^rd May – Airlines parking planes at smaller airports to save on storage costs. One of these is Cotswold Airport – further details can be seen here.

4^th May – Aviation urgently needs financial assistance says IATA and ACI. They want governments to grant financial relief to airport operators/airlines to maintain connectivity.

4^th May – Talks over Prestwick Airport sale extended due to COVID-19. Identity of preferred bidder has not been disclosed but believed to be AGS Airports owner of Glasgow Airport.

5^th May – Article in the Herald by the CE of AGS Airports says he has no doubt that Glasgow Airport will be successful in its plans.  Further details may be seen here.

5^th May – An article in Travel Daily News titled: “New study: Safety, trust, and innovation critical to air transport sector revival” can be seen here.

5^th May – An article in The Business Desk titled: “Airlines reveal scale of reductions in passenger numbers” can be seen here.

5^th May – Virgin Atlantic will axe 3,150 jobs and cease operations at Gatwick Airport. This is all due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

5^th May – Wizz Air announces launch of six new routes serving Luton Airport. They will begin from next month.

5^th May – IATA opposes onboard social distancing such as removing middle seat and warns this would lead to airfares rising drastically just for carriers to break even. 

6^th May – The three Irish State-owned airports have called on Government to scale back funding for regional airports.There are claims such financial supports are not delivering value for money.

6^th May – New chair confirmed for Cardiff Airport. Wayne Harvey, who will retire from Deloitte in May will join the airport in the non-executive chair position on 1 June 2020.

7^th May – Over 720 aircraft currently in storage at UK airports. Aircraft are currently parked at nearly 30 airports. 

7^th May – Analysis by OAG shows that if the minimum time allowed for connecting to and from international flights was to be extended to 2 hours, international connectivity could be reduced by almost 20%. Further details can be seen here.

9^th May – North runway at Dublin Airport should be built says Fingal Dublin Chamber. They see the project as crucial to the re-start of the Fingal economy post-lockdown.

9^th May – UK aviation sector warning of “artificial cliff-edge moment”. Aviation industry representatives including Airlines UK and AOA have written to the Prime Minister.

12^th May – Social distancing would cut Dublin Airport capacity by 70%, warns boss.

Passengers would also potentially be facing huge queues into the car parks.

12^th May – Ryanair plans to restore majority of its routes by July 1^st. This would be subject to travel restrictions being lifted and safety measures being brought in at airports.

13^th May – EU is expected to announce airlines will not have to leave middle seats empty but wearing of masks onboard and in airports should be required. Details can be seen here.

13^th May – An article in Business Live titled: ‘How Welsh Government ownership of Cardiff Airport could be its pandemic saviour’ can be seen here.

13^th May – IATA says long haul travel may not recover from the COVID-19 crisis until 2024. Further details may be seen here. 

15^th May – An interview in Business Desk with Charlie Cornish, CE of MAG airports on why the Government should carefully consider the use of quarantine measures can be seen here.

16^th May – Crunch decision day for Manston Airport is this week on May 18th.  A decision will be made as to whether the site has an aviation future.

18^th May – Aviation company choses Teesside International Airport as its base. Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a fantastic coup for our airport”.

18^th May – Local transport partnership calls on HIAL to halt remote air traffic control plans. Local councillor says potential impacts should be addressed first. 

20^th May – Calls for ‘ring-fenced’ funding for Shannon Airport post-COVID-19. The airport is looked on as a driving force in the region.

20^th May – Govt announces resumption of GA flights in England. Restrictions still apply to remainder of UK.

20^th May – Closure of Shetland Airport confirmed for June. Scatsta Airport is expected to close on June 30^th. 

21^st May – Easyjet to resume flights from 22 European airports from 15 June. They’ll serve UK airports including Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Belfast.

22^nd May – An article in Airport World titled: ‘The future of Airport Terminal Planning Post COVID-19’ may be seen here.

23^rd May – Passengers flying into Dublin and travelling north will not have to register for 14-day quarantine. The UK rule, which begins on June 8, exempts Ireland.

26^th May – MAG boss says UK quarantine rules will damage aviation. He said it was “a brick wall to the recovery of the UK aviation and tourism industries”.

26^th May – Guernsey runway extension could ‘pay for itself’. President of island’s Committee for Economic Development says it would deliver benefit to the community.

27^th May – IATA says airline debt levels will weigh down aviation recovery. Further details may be seen here.

28^th May – British Airways suspends Leeds Bradford Airport flights. Airport said domestic and international connectivity remains critical to support business and region’s economy.

28^th May – Easyjet are to slash staff numbers by 30%. It warns flight demand will not fully recover until 2023.

29^th May – Unite union says many jobs are under threat unless aviation industry is supported. They fear smaller regional airports may be forced to close permanently.

29^th May – Ministers consider rapid coronavirus tests at airports so passengers can avoid quarantine in bid to restart holidays abroad this summer. Further details can be seen here.

29^th May – An article in Travel Daily News titled: ‘The impacts of COVID-19 on innovation and digital transformation in air transport’ can be seen here.

31^st May – Shannon Airport seeks recovery package from Government.  Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe says he will speak to Aer Lingus who have laid off Shannon-based crew.

SASIG Library Additions

There were no Library additions this month.