Government aviation support must be focussed on retaining jobs

Prospect has responded to the government’s announcement of the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme in England.

Garry Graham, deputy general secretary of Prospect, said:

“The aviation industry is in crisis and the further travel restrictions introduced by the government will be a further body blow. Key parts of the industries infrastructure are now at risk which would be crucial to supporting a post Covid recovery.

“For months Prospect has been pressing for support for airports and air traffic control to address the fixed costs within the industry which are crucial to it functioning and future recovery. The government’s response has been remarkable in its lack of pace and strategic focus.

“It is vital that government support is focused on retaining the highly skilled jobs needed to support our aviation infrastructure, retain capacity and ensure with the roll out of vaccination and testing that the industry is able to return to growth.”