In response to the Scottish First Minister’s announcement about lockdown restrictions today, Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary, said:

“It is disappointing that the Scottish Government appears to be taking a more pessimistic view even than the UK Government on the reopening of international travel.

“However, I was pleased to hear the First Minister say that she will be engaging with the sector soon. I look forward to discussing with her the implication on Scottish jobs of the Government’s continued shutdown of the air travel sector.

“One thing the First Minister needs to have clear in her mind is that if Government policy prevents passengers from travelling abroad this summer, there may not be a Scottish aviation industry left to power the country’s economic recovery.”