Lord Lamont attacks APD

LORD LAMONT, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, was the keynote speaker on the first day of last week’s inaugural Business Travel Market at Excel.  Lamont was straightforward with his views "The state should not give aid to airlines.  I’d like to see the market work properly for the benefit of consumers."  Asked by AERBT for his views on the ever increasing APD (Airport Passenger Duty) he was very specific.  “I am not in favour of increasing APD.”  The show, which attracted travel buyers from all over the UK and Europe, demonstrated the strength of business travel in difficult times.  It was an undoubted success and had a certain buzz about it.  Dale Moss, the American Managing Director of BA’s Paris-based Open Skies airline emphasized its European appeal.  His address was delivered as “a visionary speaker” in the main forum and said that his airline was nine months behind schedule in terms of profitability.  In April all traffic between New York and Paris was down by an astonishing 45%, and to Amsterdam 39%.  The two-day event was sponsored by founding partners BA, Eurostar and Accor.  Other supporters included Qatar Airways, Thames Clippers, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and London City Airport. www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk

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