Postponed plane duty offers relief to UK freight sector

The British International Freight Association (Bifa) has welcomed news that the UK coalition government will delay a decision over Air Passenger Duty reform. Airfreight would have been affected by a switch from a “per passenger” to a “per plane” duty that was expected in a special budget tabled in the British Parliament on June 22. “Reports indicate that a statement is likely to be published in the autumn. Rest assured we will be lobbying our contacts in government to make the point that a possible ‘plane tax’ remains an illconceived proposal which would do nothing to uphold the UK’s competitive edge as a major freight hub for international carriers serving Europe,” said Bifa director general, Peter Quantrill in a statement. Bifa also welcomed the news that the coalition government had made good on its promise with a confirmation of the scrapping of backdated port rates demands. “The move signals a welcome break for Britain’s hard-pressed international freight sector and leaves businesses at Britain’s ports free to concentrate on facilitating Britain’s import and export freight movements,” said Quantrill. “Our members are facing fuel prices at record levels, as well as steep rises in other costs. Foreign hauliers are offering cross border services with cheaper fuel purchased abroad,” he said.