Frequently Asked Questions - Aviation
We have identified over 650 questions and answers concerning many of the topics featured on this site. The information is categorised and can be reached by navigating via the entries below.
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What will happen to Air Passenger Duty in an independent Scotland?
Air Passenger Duty is currently set by the Westminster Government. With independence, the Scottish Parliament will be able to set Air Passenger Duty at a level that suits Scotland – or abolish it entirely.
It is estimated that Air Passenger Duty will cost Scotland more than £200 million a year in lost tourism spend alone by 2016. In addition to the direct losses to the Scottish economy, another report earlier this year found that reducing Air Passenger Duty would increase receipts from other taxes, such as VAT.
As an early priority for action following independence the current Scottish Government proposes a 50 per cent reduction in APD, with a view to eventual abolition of the tax when public finances allow.
Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.
Will an independent Scotland protect links to London airports?
The number of flights to London from Scotland has been reducing.
With independence, the Scottish Government will be able to protect routes. The present Government would propose to promote Public Service Obligations on routes that benefit the economy most. The current Scottish Government will prioritise a 50 per cent reduction in APD, with a view to eventual abolition of the tax when public finances allow.
Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.
Will there be more direct flights into an independent Scotland?
More long haul flights operate into independent countries, for example into Denmark and Ireland which are similar in size to Scotland.
The government of an independent Scotland will be able to develop an aviation policy that suits the people of Scotland. This could include the develop of new routes to strategically important markets, such as Asia, boosting tourism by encouraging the use of direct flights to Scottish airports, and working at the top table in the European Union – as an independent member state – to develop more efficient and co-operative international regulation.
Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.
How will air traffic services be managed in an independent Scotland?
Airspace will be managed in the same way as it is currently managed with the emphasis on allowing the free and safe movement of aircraft.
The Westminster Government has a 49 per cent shareholding in National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and one of its two operational centres is based at Prestwick.
On independence, it is the intention of the current Scottish Government that NATS will continue its services for Scotland. The Scottish Government will negotiate an appropriate share for Scotland of Westminster’s stake in NATS.
Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.
