Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On the 17 December 2018, the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, published a Green Paper entitled ‘Aviation 2050 — the future of UK aviation’, the stated aim of which is to “achieve a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector that meets the needs of consumers and of a global, outward looking Britain”.
In early March, the UK Government extended part but not all of the consultation, the Welsh Government will therefore be responding in two stages.
I have already written to Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport in response to the first phase of and placed a copy of my letter in the Members library for reference. I intend writing again by the 20 June, as per phase 2 of the consultation, on how the Aviation 2050 Green Paper proposes to address Public Service Obligations (PSOs) and will also place a copy of that letter in the library.
It is vital that the UK Government recognises the importance that all aspects of aviation play in the social and economic development of Wales, from major manufacturing industries to supporting tourism and recreation. A comprehensive Aviation Strategy that takes into account all of these stakeholders is essential.
I have, once again, called upon the UK Government to reconsider its position on devolution of Air Passenger Duty and to fast-track the PSO proposals to the EU which would provide better connections with the rest of the UK in order to provide a securer position for Wales post Brexit.