Stansted Airport carrier Jet2 calls on Labour Government to support aviation industry
Stansted Airport’s second biggest customer, Jet2, says it is “uniquely positioned” to help the new Labour Government deliver economic growth.
Chief executive Steve Heapy also used the fringe meeting he hosted at the party’s conference in Liverpool to highlight the businesses’ green credentials.
Second only to Ryanair at Stansted, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are the UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline.
Mr Heapy said: “Jet2 is a proven British success story which takes millions of hardworking Brits on holiday every year, employs over 15,000 people in fantastic careers across the UK, and continues to invest in our operations to power up Britain.
“We are uniquely positioned to help the new Government deliver growth across the UK and it was great to host this event and enjoy positive discussions at the conference around how to achieve this.
He added: “By putting economic stability first and ruling out the introduction of additional demand management measures, the Government can help continue to deliver joy to holidaymakers whilst providing certainty and opportunity to investors in British business too.
“The introduction of more regulatory and tax burdens on our industry would not only impact consumer demand, making travel an activity for the rich and privileged, but it would also impact the ability of our sector to contribute to the economic growth of the UK.”
On the subject of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), he said: “Jet2 is leading the way with our multi-million-pound investment into UK SAF production and by using SAF ahead of the mandate, but we cannot do this alone.
“The net zero transition will reshape the global economy through the emergence of new clean technologies, so we must ensure that the UK is at the heart of this green industrial revolution.
“The potential reward from seizing the opportunity to build a new clean industry and drive regional growth is huge, with a future UK SAF industry providing 20,000 jobs and £3bn in economic activity by 2035, with most clusters in industrial heartlands.
“The new Government has made positive noises about SAF, and we urge them to seize this huge opportunity right now, as by doing so they can drive economic growth right across the UK.”
