Britain has no aviation policy and the main political parties are uninterested in the industry, according to the boss of British Airways’ parent company who let rip at Westminster after reporting a rare winter profit.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group (IAG), criticised Air Passenger Duty, compared the UK unfavourably to the Middle East and expressed doubt that any new runways would be built around London in the foreseeable future. He branded plans for expansion at Gatwick and Heathrow as too expensive and politically unfeasible.
“We don’t have a progressive policy because we don’t have a policy,” said Mr Walsh. “I think not having an aviation policy, given the importance of aviation to the economy, is a mistake.”
He was speaking as IAG