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Pilots union plea for Budget to back aviation

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called for the Government to commit to a package of support for aviation in the Budget this week.

The pilots’ union says aviation has been at the forefront of the crisis and has taken multiple hits as global travel has been restricted.

BALPA says the sector is vital to the UK economy and needs help though this unprecedented time. It pointed out how the industry has been overlooked for assistance at every stage of the crisis despite being an important economic driving force, carrying out vital repatriations and bring in much needed supplies throughout the last year.

BALPA has called for the Budget to include a bespoke package of support for aviation and an extension to the furlough scheme.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“Last year the Chancellor promised bespoke support for aviation. That never materialised.

“We now need Mr Sunak to give aviation a bespoke package of financial support that will enable the industry to survive 2021, rebuild and be ready to meet future passenger demand and future climate change targets.

“Despite the moving goal posts of travel restrictions, quarantines, red lists, corridors and bans, our pilots carried on, taking people home on repatriation flights and bringing in much needed medical supplies.

“It’s been a very tough year and the industry has suffered hugely. It is now time to invest in aviation.”