British-Swiss air travel to take off in light of UK budget
Zurich (ots)
DEUTSCHE FASSUNG FOLGT MORGEN VORMITTAG !
The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce (BSCC) joins airlines and business leaders in applauding the decision of the British Government to slash air passenger duty.
The British Finance Ministry announced yesterday that from 1 November 2002, the UK tax on economy flights to and from Switzerland will now be reduced to £5 (SFr 12) economy class and £10 (SFr 24) business class from £20 (SFr 48) and £40 (SFr 96) respectively.
Responding to the measures handed down in the UK Budget, BSCC President Howard Rosen says, "This will not only be a great boost to business and tourist travel in both directions between Switzerland and the UK, but also shows that we have a British Government which has listened to, and addressed, the legitimate concerns of the business community and the general public."
This is a great result for the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, which, through its Public Affairs Committee, had been pressing the British Government for some years to have this rate reduced, and last year presented a detailed opinion from a senior UK lawyer arguing that the rate had to be reduced.
Ray Webster, Chief Executive of easyJet believes the reduction in air passenger duty will be a shot in the arm for the industry. "A fantastic result and great news for British travellers. It will mean reduced prices and hopefully encourage even more people to fly. It makes sense."
Routes between Britain and Switzerland are some of the busiest in Europe. Over 140 flights operate daily between the UK and Switzerland, with over 70 daily departures to the UK from Zurich Airport alone.
Richard Castle, General Manager UK & Ireland of SWISS, speaking on behalf of Switzerland's new national airline, "... is delighted that the Chancellor has announced in the 2002 budget to extend the lower rates of air passenger duty (APD) to flights from the UK to Switzerland. This lower rate of APD will be good news to business and leisure travellers alike, and we hope that this reduction will lead to further growth in air travel between the UK and Switzerland."
Contact:
Katie Shearer
The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce
Tel. +41/1/422 31 31
Fax +41/1/422 32 44
Mob. +41/79/758 4771
E-Mail: katie.shearer@bscc.co.uk
Our role as a dynamic bilateral trade organisation is to promote
Anglo-Swiss commerce, providing a network to success and a
competitive edge for our members.
For up-to-the-minute information about the British-Swiss Chamber of
Commerce, and a full list of forthcoming events, please visit our
website: www.bscc.co.uk
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