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New chancellor may scrap APD reform, sources claim

Air
Gary Noakes
18 February 2020

Flybe’s rescue deal could be in jeopardy because of the appointment of a new chancellor of the exchequer, it has been claimed.

Flybe in its previous livery

New chancellor Rishi Sunak is reported to be against an overhaul of Air Passenger Duty – something that could affect Flybe’s future.

The Telegraph reports that Sunak’s predecessor Sajid Javid had backed a reduction in APD in next month’s Budget to help keep Flybe from administration.

However, Javid’s successor is thought to be against a cut in the tax, charged at £13 per one-way domestic flight, which puts the airline at a price disadvantage compared to alternative means of transport.

The Telegraph quoted a source saying: “Don’t bank on it happening.”