EasyJet wants aviation tax rethink
EasyJet is stepping up calls to scrap aviation tax in its present form by launching a campaign to encourage politicians to “adopt a more intelligent approach to air travel”. It claims that its plans will also reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.
The low-cost carrier is launching an advertising push today (September 18) to inform consumers of its new tax proposal, which suggests that Air Passenger Duty (APD) should be replaced with a tax based on aircraft types and the distance travelled.
The ads will run in national papers throughout the party conference season and will stress that the airline covers its “full environmental costs”. It will be supported by environmental messages on the back of aircraft seats from October onwards.
The new campaign comes months after the airline wasrapped by the Advertising Standards Authority for ads that protested against the rise in APD. The ad claimed that its planes were responsible for 30% fewer emissions than traditional airlines. The ASA ruled the claim was misleading.
EasyJet has also published a report on aviation’s contribution to climate changes today, called “Towards greener skies: the surprising truth about flying and the environment”. It claims domestic routes have been the hardest hit by the doubling of APD in February and would be the most vulnerable to any further rises.
EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison and his team also stood outside the Houses of Parliament dressed as highwaymen for a publicity stunt today and called for consumers to “Say No To Skyway Robbery”.
