Following the publication of the full report from The Smith Commission this morning, Edinburgh Airport has welcomed its recommendation that Air Passenger Duty (APD) should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

 

As reported, in August Edinburgh Airport reached a construction milestone for its £25m expansion of the airport’s terminal building as part of an £150m investment programme. By moving the security area into this extension, space within the terminal will be freed up for more retail including the airport’s first walk through store.

 

Work began in October 2013, with the new security product operational by late 2014. The new retail space will follow in 2015.

 

In a statement provided by Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Smith Commission’s recommendation that APD is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

 

‘HIGHEST AVIATION TAXES IN THE WORLD’

“We strongly believe that there is a real case to see it devolved as soon as possible so that Scotland can capitalise fully on the benefits of this fantastic year where we have been in the global spotlight.

 

“The removal or reducing of this tax will see millions of more passengers come to Scotland as our major airlines have indicated.

 

“Airline planners are finalising 2015 now and we run the risk of losing that momentum as those people who wish to visit us are deterred by the highest aviation taxes in the world.”

 

Flybe’s Chief Executive Saad Hammad also welcomes the commission’s proposal to devolve Air Passenger Duty to the Scottish Government, and hopes that the administration will maintain its pledge to cut the tax and remove it completely in the longer term.

 

‘BOOST CONNECTIVITY FOR SCOTLAND’

“The move would not only encourage airlines to provide new routes and enhance travel for Scotland’s passengers, but it would also significantly boost economic activity and connectivity for Scotland.

 

He added: “The recommendations show progress and we believe that its implementation would demonstrate the benefits of cutting or abolishing the tax to other nations or regions within the UK, which in turn would deliver a balanced economic recovery.

 

“We remain hopeful that the Chancellor will announce further plans for APD reform in his Autumn Statement next week.”