The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is looking forward to working with Government to shape the future of aviation following a constructive meeting with the Aviation Minister Robert Courts MP.

The meeting – which strengthened communication and co-operation between the pilot profession, aviation industry and UK Government – paves the way for further collaboration to forge the safe, stable and sustainable recovery for aviation that the country needs.

At the meeting, BALPA presented its Aviation Recovery Plan to the Minister who is now looking over the ideas. BALPA called for:
– An acknowledgement that border restrictions damage our industry but do little to inhibit the spread of the latest variant
– A proportionate approach to future variants with any future rules to be evidence based, simple and consistent
– For Government to recognise the importance of aviation and to support our sector as we decarbonise and lead the world in sustainable connectivity.

BALPA General Secretary, Martin Chalk said: 
“Our Aviation Recovery Plan will help release the brakes on the long-term national recovery so aviation can be the real engine of the country’s global ambitions. We hope this meeting signals greater cooperation between the industry and those in the corridors of power.”

BALPA Executive President Paul Naylor said: 
“Pilots have a great understanding of not only the challenges facing the aviation industry, but also of the value of UK aviation to our economy. We want the government to use our expertise and listen to industry voices as it shapes the supportive environment for our collective future.”

Aviation Minister Robert Courts MP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet BALPA and I thank them for a constructive meeting and for the helpful report. We have stood side by side with the aviation sector throughout COVID-19, and I look forward to working even more closely together in the months and years ahead as we restore UK aviation to its world leading position.”

ENDS

The full Aviation Recovery Plan is attached here: BALPA-Aviation-Recovery-Plan-Final-25-01-2022