The future of UK aviation

The government is developing a new Aviation Strategy for the UK.

The Aviation Strategy will set out the long- term direction for aviation policy making to 2050 and beyond.

The overall aim of the strategy is to achieve a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector that meets the needs of consumers and of a global, outward-looking Britain.

Throughout the strategy, the government will consider passengers, airports and airlines, communities, the freight sector, industry organisations, private fliers and environmental groups.

Baroness Sugg,¬†Aviation Minister, commented: “As the aviation sector grows, the expectations of passengers are changing. It is important that the industry, and government, have a clear understanding of what consumers¬†want and that we are equipped to meet their needs.”

“New and emerging technology has the potential to help address challenges and transform the sector. The aviation sector has a vital role in delivering the government‚Äôs Industrial Strategy; boosting productivity and efficiency and creating new jobs across the UK. “

 

The strategy will pursue six objectives:

Help the aviation industry work for its customers: The government is putting consumers at the centre of the Aviation Strategy. This will cover all aspects of the consumer experience, including accessibility, better information and support for when things go wrong.

Ensure a safe and secure way to travel: Keeping the travelling public safe and secure remains the government’s top priority. The government will ensure that the UK’s approach remains innovative and responsive to new threats

Build a global and connected Britain: Consumers have benefited from the UK’s global connectivity and access to markets. The government wants to build on this as we leave the European Union, opening up new links with the rest of world.

Encourage competitive markets: The UK has led the way in promoting competition in the aviation market. The government will further look to maximise the benefits of competition in the sector.

Support growth while tackling environmental impacts: Demand for air services has grown strongly in recent decades, and the government expects that demand will continue to rise significantly between now and 2050. This underlines the importance of achieving a new framework for growth which takes account of the impact of aviation on the environment and ensures growth is sustainable.

Develop innovation, technology and skills: As technology develops it is important that policy and regulatory barriers to innovation are reduced and that the aviation sector has the skills it needs to realise these benefits.

 

From April 2018 up to the formal consultation period in autumn 2018, the government will be carrying out a period of widespread engagement that will inform their green paper, including a series of roundtables and workshops.

Full details about progress and updates will be posted here.