The need to “safeguard” Britain’s aviation interests post-Brexit and commit to growing the country’s airport capacity are also at the top of the list of priorities put forward by trade body Airlines UK before voters go to the polls next month.

A move to make it a criminal offence for passengers to consume their own alcohol onboard aircraft is also included on the list of “asks” directed at the next UK government.

Airlines UK wants to see APD abolished when Parliament reconvenes after the June 8 vote, describing the scrapping of the tax as a way to “transform the UK’s international competitiveness, boost trade and support tourism”.

According to the industry body, the new government in Westminster must ensure the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU look after the country’s international market access for airlines when Britain officially departs the EU in 2019.

The group is also looking for commitment to a third runway at Heathrow “at reasonable cost” and plans to support growth in aviation at other UK airports through airspace modernisation, surface access improvements and operational changes that enhance resilience.

A clear long-term policy to encourage UK sustainable aviation fuel production is another of its requirements to the future government.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “UK aviation is uniquely placed to deliver the government’s vision of a global, outward looking Britain. Airlines – whether full service, low-cost, charter or freight – play a key role as economic enablers of GDP, connecting all regions of the UK to countries across the world, including many of the important economies that, post-Brexit, the UK will be seeking closer ties with. However, there are obstacles to maximising this opportunity and it is in these areas that we ask ministers to work with us in the next parliament.

“Brexit will continue to be an area of major interest, with aviation providing important economic connections that must continue once the UK leaves the EU. We look forward to the EU and UK reaching an agreement as soon as possible that allows consumers and businesses from all European countries to continue to travel to and from the UK and around Europe just as they do today.

“The airline community will continue to support expansion at Heathrow, provided it is delivered at a reasonable cost with charges reducing over time with increased movements. Airlines are clear that the cost of expansion they and their customers pay for is a key factor. We need the right scheme at the right price, at the right time, to meet the needs of passengers.

“That said, with a new runway not expected to be operational for many years the government needs to take steps to encourage airlines to develop new routes from other airports. This means encouraging free and open competition and not picking winners for expansion. Surface access improvements, reductions to APD, airspace modernisation and operational changes that enhance resilience will help to widen catchment areas and make more routes viable.”