BALPA, the union for UK airline pilots, has welcomed the appointment of Keir Mather to the position of Aviation Minister.  

Amy Leversidge, BALPA General Secretary, said:

“We welcome Keir Mather to his new role as the UK’s Aviation Minister.

“This is an exciting time in aviation. Airport expansion will unlock economic growth and deliver long-term job opportunities. We want to work with the Minister to fix how pilot training is financed so that those opportunities are real for people right across our country and throughout our society.

“Alongside expansion, airspace modernisation is long overdue. Done right, it can cut flight delays – good for passengers and crew, reduce noise for people living near airports, make flights safer and open up our skies safely to emerging technology. We welcome this Government’s efforts to deliver a greener future for air travel, in particular with sustainable aviation fuel.

“As the voice of pilots, BALPA campaigns to achieve and maintain the best possible working conditions and safety standards for all UK pilots.

“This is a big agenda, and we will be seeking an early meeting with the Minister to take forward these issues as well as raising with him pressing issues like pilot fatigue.

“We look forward to working with Keir in the months and years ahead.”