Flybe fears increases through new style of air charges

FLYBE believes the new UK Government's plan to change the way air taxes are charged is a 'smokescreen' for higher rates.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition announced that air passenger duty will be replaced with a charge for each aircraft.

Details have not been announced, but a Flybe spokesman said any rise in duty for airlines would lead to an increase in ticket prices.

Aurigny commercial director Malcolm Coupar was more circumspect and said without knowing how the new tax would be structured it was impossible to tell how it would affect the airline. However, he said he hoped the charges would be levied in a fairer way.

The UK Government has also scrapped plans for a third runway at Heathrow and said it will not allow any more to be built at either Gatwick or Stansted.

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