BACA Condemns Rise In Air Passenger Duty Tax

Online, March 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax is bad for the airline industry and bad for the UK economy, says the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA).

The group, which represents almost 200 companies in the air charter and business aviation industry, has added its voice to the growing condemnation of the increase in the Air Passenger Duty tax due to come into force on 1 April, 2012.

"The UK passenger taxes are the highest in the world," says Chief Executive Markham Jackson. "To increase them even further makes no sense when we all agree that we need to do everything possible to stimulate the economy and drive growth."

APD was introduced in 1994 with a £5 rate for the UK/EU and £10 elsewhere. After numerous increases over the years, the new standard rates, announced in the Autumn Statement and due to come into effect on April 1, will range from £26 to £184, depending on distance traveled.

Mr Jackson says that the air charter industry gives businesspeople and others the flexibility and security they need to travel quickly and conveniently to their destinations. "But if the UK continues to demand taxes at higher levels than other European countries, businesses will no doubt consider relocating to those other countries."

BACA, established in 1949, is the world's largest network for the air charter market and members include air charter brokers, airports, airlines, business aircraft operators, handling agents, aviation lawyers and consultants. It offers training and networking opportunities for members, as well as annual awards, and liaises with aviation and government bodies on matters of concern and interest to its members.

ends

BACA, with its official maxim "Our Word Our Bond," is the widely respected and known as the world's largest and most prestigious network for aircharter professionals. BACA represents the interests of commercial aviation companies particularly in the aircharter industries and markets. Current membership includes some 125 companies, which represent numerous airbrokers, charter airlines, airports, business aircraft operators, freight forwarders, consultants and others. BACA's principal objective is to promote integrity and ethical business practices so members can deal with each other with confidence, regardless where they're based or whether they have met each other before. BACA is the successor of the Airbrokers' Association founded by members of the Baltic Mercantile and Shipping Exchange in March 1949. Its purpose was to bring to aircraft chartering the same standards of integrity and professionalism for which the Baltic Exchange and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers had, for so long, been known and respected. BACA council members are always available for commentary and interviews BACA is headquartered at the Baltic Exchange at 38 St. Mary Axe in London. More information can be found on its web site: www.baca.org.uk