issue: uk has highest rates of apd in world the tax is ... · bata influence: medium – bata is a...

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Tax

Date Last Updated: 10th January 2012

Issue: UK has highest rates of APD in world – the tax is impacting on industry and UK Business impact: HIGH Objective: To see no further increases in APD and for the tax to phased out with advent of EU ETS. BATA line: The top BATA line remains the overall quantum. “Government should do the maths; before raising APD rates yet again, it should have carefully considered the money the UK economy as a whole loses as a result of such an uncompetitive tax, not just the hard earned money the Chancellor can collect from the travelling public. A proper independent economic study is needed.” BATA influence: MEDIUM – BATA is a leading player in the joint trade association campaign “A Fair Tax on Flying”. BATA activity to date: BATA is a funding member of ‘A Fair Tax on Flying’. We also hosted an intern for from July to Dec 2012 (jointly funded by AOA, ABTA and BATA) to assist with running the campaign. BATA strategy going forward: BATA will be preparing the strategy for the next stage of the FToF campaign with the two other trade associations as focus shifts to Budget Statement on 20th March and harnessing supportive MPs identified by PR and PA work over the summer and autumn. In so doing, we gather greater support for our objectives.

Activity Date/Period Status

Fair Tax on Flying Campaign - 200,000 emails to MPs (including

member promotion & involvement) and 100,00 to HMT from non-UK residents

- EDM 174 and further engagement with MPs

- Hosting of FTOF intern for upto 3 months

- Review and developing strategy for next phase of campaign focused on Budget in March 2013 and Autumn Statement later in year

June 2012 onwards Ongoing July 16th – Dec 6th 2012 Jan – Dec 2013

Ongoing - BATA co-ordinating campaign activity with AOA and ABTA. Providing support and funding to campaign. 97 MPs signed EDM to date. Lobbying cell of MPs being created. Completed Ongoing. FToF AGM on 6th Feb. Monthly conference calls.

APPG Report - Assisting with writing, production

and launch of FTOF/APPG report

May – August 2012

Report launched on 29th August Follow up meeting with APPG MPs expected in early 2013

Consultations

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- Transport Select Committee inquiry on Aviation Strategy

- Davies Airports Commission

Autumn 2012 – Spring 2013 2013 - 2015

BATA submitted written evidence in mid October 2012. SB appeared as witness in evidence session on 19th November. Evidence sessions still taking place. BATA input into Commission – SB and BH have meeting with Sir Howard Davies on 16th Jan and SB with Phil Graham of DfT on 10th Jan

Lobbying of MPs, HMT and other Govt Depts

Ongoing Joint BATA, AOA & ABTA lunch with Conservative MPs (held 17th May 2012), Labour MPs (scheduled for 13th February 2013) and Lib Dem MPs BATA/AOA Parliamentary Reception held on 4th September 2012. 2013 event scheduled for 18th June. Co-ordinated trade assoc/business meeting with Economic Secretary at HMT on 24th October

Media activity Ongoing BATA CE interviewed in BT News (trade media), variety of opinion pieces and quotes in media coverage. National and regional press statements co-ordinated with Fair Tax’ campaign.

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Consumer Protection


Issue: CAA role in consumer protection Business impact: HIGH Objective: To reach agreement with CAA on approach to contentious issues. Ensuring airline interests represented in enforcement by CAA. BATA line: Air transport is a highly competitive industry, with airlines working for the best interests of the consumer – competition is a better approach than lots of regulation. As 261 is being reviewed by the Commission, it is unfortunate that the European court has seen fit to set out its own interpretation, meaning law is being made in the court room rather than in a carefully considered legislative process. BATA influence: MEDIUM – legislation is written at EU level but BATA can lobby UK DfT and CAA. BATA activity to date: BATA has agreed to the setting up of a joint BATA/CAA working group that met for the first time on 20th September 2012 with another meeting on 17th December and the next in mid March 2013. BATA strategy going forward: To build on the engagement we have at working level with CAA to ensure better understanding and to avoid media surprises or abrupt complaints from CAA.


Formation of BATA/CAA Working Group (SB and SW of CAA joint chairs) BATA group to come up with examples of cancellations/diversions that should be considered extraordinary circumstances/non extraordinary circumstances. These to be provided by mid-October to allow CAA to feed into the NEB activity. Provision of data on number of claims received by members

From September onwards 20th September to mid October December

First meeting held on 20th September (involves 5 BATA members/Exec and CAA). Next meeting on 17th December involved all pax members as considering definition of Extraordinary circumstances. Next meeting scheduled for mid March Action minutes circulated to WG and members on 24 September and 19

December. Raised at meeting of WG and further reminders to members on 24th and 26th September. SB and NW to provide to CAA in Oct – some members directly fed into CAA. To be sent to CAA by individual members

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Member comments on i) draft CAA information request letters to be sent to BATA for collation and onward transmission to CAA) and ii) Draft CAA Market Study Questionnaire direct to CAA DfT sponsored 261 meeting with airlines and trade bodies Next Meeting of Working Group (to include BATA presentation on issue of electric mobility devices)

December 2012 – January 2013 Held on 9th January Mid-March

Members asked for input on 19th December and 7th January. Extension of a week obtained to CAA deadline (now 18th January) NW coordinated BATA member representation and SB attended meeting Date to be confirmed and agreed

BH/SB meeting with Andrew Haines (issue to be raised as part of discussion)

14th August 2012 Next meeting 21st February

Note of meeting circulated to members on 16th August. Helpful regarding ToRS of joint WG.

Responding to DfT DPTAC Successor Arrangements Consultation

Deadline 14th September 2012

BATA drafted and submitted response. Circulated to members for comment/approval on 10th September.

Keith Richards, Chair of CAA Consumer Panel attending BATA Exec

2013 Postponed from 18th October due to KR diary - in process of arranging meeting with BH/SB and KR/Panel

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Environmental Impacts/Noise


Issue: Aviation’s impact on environment (global and local) and UK Govt policy Business impact: HIGH Objective: To ensure UK aviation does not face competitive disadvantage as a result of UK state action and to “detoxify” aviation. BATA line: UK airlines, who support ETS as a first step to a Global Deal, don’t want to be in the middle of a trade war between the EU and the Rest of the World. BATA influence: MEDIUM – on its own, BATA’s influence is LOW but this can be enhanced by speaking as one voice with regulators and working jointly with other aviation interests through SA. BATA activity to date: through Sustainable Aviation, BATA provides resources to the work on the noise road map, the communications sub-group and the council. BATA strategy going forward: to encourage the production of an SA Noise road map and to promote the work of SA on both emissions and noise to regulators, politicians and the media thus demonstrating the sustainability credentials for aviation and justifying growth. Sub Topic: Noise (Night Flights) Issue: Existing night noise regime at designated airports is being reviewed by DfT. The risk is that the regime will become stricter so that night flights will be curtailed. Business impact: HIGH Objective: To persuade DfT not to impose further restrictions BATA line: BATA influence: MEDIUM BATA activity to date: BATA has met with freight operators and other business interests in order to ensure awareness of the threat from tighter restrictions and to reach a common lobbying position. BATA strategy going forward: To respond to the DfT APF and first stage noise consultation. To generate interest within industry and amongst third parties into issue, starting with summit on 23rd January.

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Engagement/Advocacy Initial meetings with DHL, UPS, LCCI, AOA, FTA and others Engagement/alliance building and assessing interest for co-ordinated activity/update research Summit meeting held by BATA Establish industry and third party advocacy group, led by BATA Engage key sector trade bodies (eg cars, pharma, hi-tech, gems, IT, fruit, flowers) Seek out case studies and support for campaign from third party trade bodies – engagement also with media/think tanks etc

July-August 2012 September 2012 to January 2013 September 2012 onwards

Meetings held and favourable responses received, with general interest in a co-ordinated approach Event to be held in City 23rd January 2013 Plans outlined at Exec meeting on 18th October and then invitations etc issued. Tied in with January event. Ongoing – will require second event after 23rd Jan to pull these groups together

Research/Data Scenarios of night flight restrictions (Gather responses from members on impact to business/operations with list of scenarios)

August 2012 Material provided by email and at member meeting on 22nd August. Fed into planning and developing strategy.

Meeting of BATA members Follow up meeting with BATA member and DfT

22nd August 2012 24th September

Held with action notes circulated on 29th August. Held with Tim May, Kate Jennings and Richard Clarkson of DfT. Action notes circulated on 27th September. BATA members to provide detail on mid to long term fleet replacement plans.

Desk research on noise/night flights

September- December 2012

Ongoing

BH & SB meeting with Andrew Haines Intel on CAA activity on issue – incl work for DfT on health impacts

Ongoing Note of meeting circulated to members on 16th August. Next regular meeting scheduled for 21st February

Initial assessment of DfT Policy consultation

12th/13th July 2012

Undertaken and draft response circulated to members on 6th August

Response to noise element of DfT Policy Consultation

July-October 2012

Completed – submitted to DfT October 2012

Input into Davies Airports Commission

2013 - 2015 Initial meeting with Sir Howard (SB & BH) on 16th Jan and SB with Phil Graham on 10th Jan.

Respond to first stage consultation on night noise regime

January/February 2013?

Awaiting publication of consultation

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Notes Designated Airport Night Noise Restrictions

The current night noise regime for the 3 designated airports was announced in June 2006 and came into force in October 2006. It ends on 28thOctober 2012. On 26th March 2012, the Government announced it had decided to extend the existing night noise regime at these airports till the end of the summer season 2014, when a new regime will come into force.

DfT’s July 2012 draft Aviation Policy Framework consultation stated that “a first stage consultation will be launched later in 2012” (will now be early 2013) – including a review of costs and benefits of night flights, including expert assessment from the CAA of current literature on aviation night noise health impacts. DfT will also consider the 2011 night noise contours required under the END and will seek detailed evidence on the effectiveness of the current regime and on airlines’ fleet replacement plans.

Second consultation “in 2013”, allowing proposals to take account of final Aviation Policy Framework (due in March) and LHR operational freedoms trial.

October 2014: current regime extended until then (based on movement and quota limits for winter 2011/12 and summer 2012) – as announced in March 2012

Wider/SA Activity


Meeting with new SA Programme Director (Andy Jefferson)

18th July 2012 10th January 2013

Collation and calculation of airline Fuel Efficiency date for 2013 SA Progress Report

August 2012 – April 2013

First email request for 2010 and 11 out to SA members on 13th August, reminder emails also sent. Data from 1 SA member airline awaited. Data for 2012 also now required – to request in February. Progress report due to be published in June/July 2013.

BATA Member meeting with Jeremy Hotchkiss/Rebecca Venn (DfT) BATA member meeting with Adam Simmons (DfT) – Jeremy Hotchkiss replacement on update on ‘stop the clock’ decision by EC

28th August 17th December

Members invited on 26th July. Meeting took place on 28th August and action notes circulated on 31st August. Meeting held and note circulated by SB same day to members

BATA view on ETS Scenarios for DfT

August/September 2012

Requested from members by DfT at meeting on 28th August. Provided to DfT by their deadline of 24th September.

BATA reaction to EC ‘stop the clock’ announcement of 12th November

November 2012 – present

Reaction drafted and circulated for approval on 12th November. Information from DfT and EC circulated to members when available.

SA Comms Group 8th January 2013 NW attended – planning activity

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around Noise Road Map and Progress Report

SA Parliamentary Reception, HoC Terrace

4th December 2012 SB, BH and NW attended with some members. 2013 event planned for 3rd December.

BATA Chief Executive a member of SA Council

Ongoing Next meeting on 15th Jan at BATA. Funder and budget meeting on 9th Jan.

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Borders/Immigration


Issue: Queues & waiting times at UK airport borders. BF resources have been cut yet the former “risk based” approach has been all but abandoned in favour of 100% mandatory passport checks. A joint approach with the industry was suspended in 2011 and “Smart Zone” trials also ceased. Business impact: MEDIUM Objective: Reduction in queues & waiting times (risk based controls, adequately resourced UKBF) including a move in SLAs from average to maximum queue waiting times and a return to working on a joint approach with the aviation industry to maintain and strengthen border controls while improving the passenger experience. BATA line: “Robust border controls are essential for the safety and security of the State and its citizens. BATA members have supported the Home Office and UK Border Agency in this objective for many years, investing millions in a wide range of initiatives to ‘export the border’ such as the e-borders programme which harnesses technology to deliver advance passenger information (APIS) to the control authorities. In so doing, this provides for more efficient and speedier throughput of legitimate travellers through UK border controls while maintaining border security. “However, existing targets for average delays set by Border Force of 25 minutes for clearing European Economic Area (EEA) passengers and 45 minutes for non-EEA passengers are not demanding enough. Airlines want to see target average delays replaced by target maximum delays and see times brought down. It is essential that airlines are part of that discussion and we made this offer to the Home Secretary earlier this year (2012). BATA airlines have offered to work with Border Force to maintain the integrity of the border while taking a balanced approach, involving the greater use of technology as an aid to the screening of passengers prior to arrival at the border control point. We look forward to taking this work forward in collaboration.” BATA influence: HIGH – BATA is seen as the focal point and voice for UK airlines. Our views are sought out by Home Office, Border Force and listened to. BATA activity to date: a meeting was held with the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister earlier this year following on from the leaking of a BATA letter and front page news stories about queues at Heathrow. This resulted in a working relationship with Mandie Campbell, the new COO at UKBF being established and two meetings with BATA members, Mandie Campbell and Home Office officials have since been held. Information was also shared with the Home Affairs Select Committee. BATA strategy going forward: to build on relationship with senior BF staff and to continue separate engagement with Home Office as the new Pre-departure Control programme is rolled-out. If queues once again become a problem in the post-Olympics period, to keep up pressure via the Independent Chief Inspector, the media and parliamentarians.

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Meetings with Mandie Campbell (COO, UKBF) & Philip Duffy, James Brady (Home Office)

9th August 29th October 24th January 2013

Meeting held and note circulated to members on 10th August. Meeting held and note circulated to members on 8th November. Confirmed with UKBF and members

UKBF Strategic Partner Group 28th November

SB attended

Introductory phone conversation with new UKBF DG (Tony Smith)/briefing to members Tony Smith attending BATA Member & Assoc member evening as guest speaker

19th September 8th November

Note circulated to members on 19th September. Event held.

Meeting with Steve Ralls/Mike Coombes (Home Office) – re PDCS

13th August Meeting held – high level update. SB and NW raised common points identified by members in pre-meeting canvass. BATA members engaged with PDCS team.

Post Olympic monitoring & review with members of UKBF performance

September onwards

Ongoing

Engagement with Independent Chief Inspector

18th October 27th November

John Vine attended BATA Exec SB attended regular aviation stakeholder forum with John Vine

Media activity September onwards

BATA to monitor press reports of delays and to keep up pressure via the media in consultation with members.

Other Forums 22nd November

SB attended NASC

Other (BATA Annual dinner) 20th January 2013

Tony Smith, John Vine and Mandie Campbell all attending BATA Annual Dinner

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Government Aviation Policy


Issue: Aviation Policy Framework and Capacity. HMG has yet to publish its Aviation Policy Framework. BATA believes there is an urgent need for an aviation policy providing a national strategy for aviation. New capacity should be provided where demand exceeds capacity. Business impact: MEDIUM/HIGH Objective: Aviation policy for UK that encourages sustainable growth of UK aviation BATA line: “As the Coalition Government recognises, the UK’s economy needs to compete in both established and emerging markets. This requires excellent aviation connectivity right across the country, ensuring the UK has both vibrant point to point airports and sufficient world class hub capacity. This means prioritising a favourable planning and regulatory regime and developing a bold aviation policy, where new airport capacity is required. To ensure there is no further erosion of the UK’s competitive position, the Government must set a clear timetable for these measures to be put in place, as part of a new aviation policy.” BATA influence: MEDIUM – BATA is seen by DfT and others as the focal point and voice of UK airlines and our views are sought. BATA activity to date: this has focused on the need to broaden the debate beyond that of the aviation industry. Working with other trade associations (principally AOA and BARUK) we have sought to encourage support from wider business interests and to align/synchronise the approach of the trade associations so far as possible in order to speak with a united aviation industry voice. BATA strategy going forward: to seek to highlight aviation’s contribution to jobs and economic recovery, thus aligning aviation expansion with HMG’s objectives.


Messaging Group Employment Projects Employment data (elements: by postcodes/constituencies/number of staff by job type/jobs created by new routes/bases)

May 2012 onwards Collating data from members to create aggregated totals by constituency/region. Initial findings presented at Parliamentary Reception on 4th September. Other results to be used in future comms activity. Further work needed on jobs per route aspect.

Parliamentary Reception Production of Autumn 2012 Parliamentary Newsletter for circulation to MPs/Peers Event (joint with AOA in HoC)

August/September 2012 4th September

Completed – circulated to 150 or so MPs/Peers Held – 35 MPs in attendance. Booking made for next year’s event (18th June 2013). Planning meeting being held with NW and AOA in Jan 2013.

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APF Consultation response Submission of response to DfT

31st October 2012

Submitted

Other Consultations Transport Select Committee Inquiry response Air Futures inquiry by ITC London Assembly Aviation Inquiry Davies Airports Commission

Autumn 2012 to Spring 2013 October 2012 December 2012 – Spring 2013 2012 - 2015

BATA written submission resulted in oral evidence on 19th November. Inquiry is ongoing. Submission based on TSC evidence made at end of October Evidence to be submitted in January 2013 (based on TSC) Media comment on announcement (7th Sept) SB attended launch on 2nd Nov and circulated note to members. SB and BH initial meeting with Sir Howard on 15th Jan and SB with Phil Graham on 10th Jan.

Meetings with other Govt Depts Autumn BIS meeting held on 3rd October HMT meeting on 24th October.

Meetings with Labour frontbenchers (BIS, HMT, FCO, DCMS, HO)

Winter 2012-13 Ongoing

Media Activity/Public Statements Ongoing Media statements made on need for new capacity as appropriate in co-ordination with members.

DfT Meetings Meeting with Simon Burns MP

7th January 2013

BH and SB attended

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BATA Policy, Comms & Messaging Issue Log Activity: Economic Regulation


Issue: CAA Bill (now Act) and new economic regulatory framework for UK airports Business impact: HIGH Objective: For Bill and regime to contain: a CAA secondary duty to take airline interests into account, ii) application of Better Regulation principles to the CAA and iii) that the CAA should be efficient. BATA line: Welcome Civil Aviation Bill - long lobbied for greater transparency, consultation and better value for money for our customers, especially in times of disruption. Glad Govt has recognised need for airline right of appeal but we believe airlines are the best advocates for the consumer. Transfer of responsibility for regulating provision of security is welcome; next step in ongoing investments and efforts to provide high standards of security whilst improving the passenger experience. Over time an outcome-focussed, risk-based approach should deliver cost savings, efficiencies and greater flexibility – though certainly not less rigorous security. CAA's new environmental remit should not duplicate or undermine all the other great efforts already underway, instead it should focus on providing independent, credible analysis of the environmental pros and cons of various policies and initiatives, considering the trade-offs between global climate change impacts and local environmental considerations. BATA influence: HIGH - BATA is seen as the single voice of UK airlines and our views are sought and listened to by regulators. BATA activity to date: BATA has co-ordinated member input to DfT and CAA and offered proposed amendments to the Bill in the form of a specific efficiency duty. BATA strategy going forward: To encourage CAA to support the need for an efficiency duty and negate DfT opposition. This will be achieved through continued dialogue with CAA and through meetings with DfT officials.

UPDATE: Bill received Royal Assent on 19th December 2012. Government supported a clause being included in the Act, requiring the CAA to publish an annual efficiency statement and for an audited assessment of that statement. In order to bring the airport economic regulation provisions in the Bill into force, a statutory instrument (SI) is required. The Department for Transport has issued a consultation on a draft version of this SI, which contains the transitional and commencement arrangements for the airport economic regulation provisions in the Bill.

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BATA Working Group chaired by BH (involving easyJet, BA and Virgin Atlantic)

Meeting with DfT Bill Team & CAA re CAA efficiency duty

19th October BH and BATA members meeting with DfT and CAA. Original request sent to DfT on 11th July

BH letter to Minister re amendments to Bill on i) the need for the CAA to be subject to an ancillary duty to air transport providers, in full satisfaction of the recommendations of the Competition Commission; ii) the need to apply the principles of better regulation to all the CAA’s new powers in the Bill, not simply to its economic regulation functions; and iii) the need to enshrine in legislation a duty for the CAA to act efficiently. Letters to new SoS and Aviation Minister requesting meetings

2nd July 2012 September 2012

Formal response from T Villiers received on 15th August. Circulated to members on 15th August. Meeting with Simon Burns took place on 7thJanuary 2013.

BH/SB meeting with Andrew Haines Follow up letter to AH re efficiency clause

14th August 2012 August/September 2012

Note of meeting circulated to members on 16th August. Sent by BH on 22nd August.

Bill in Parliament (Report Stage & Third Reading in Lords, Ping Pong between Commons & Lords) Royal Assent

November 2012 19th December 2012

Bill becomes Act of Parliament

Statutory Instrument & Follow Up December 2012 – January 2013

BATA to respond to DfT consultation on draft SI SB attending CAA meeting on Act on 21st January SB & BH meeting with Andrew Haines on 21st Feb

issue: uk has highest rates of apd in world the tax is ... · bata influence: medium – bata is a...

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