AIR TAX CUT WILL ENCOURAGE MORE VISITING FANS TO SCOTLAND

Tartan Army foot soldiers have joined forces with Edinburgh Airport and are backing the call for a swift 50 per cent cut to air travel tax in April 2018.

Presently UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) – at a minimum of £13 for short haul flights and £73 per person for long haul flights – is the highest tax of its kind anywhere in the world.

In April 2018 the Scottish Government will gain control over APD.

Nicola Sturgeon’s government are currently consulting on a proposed cut.

As reported in today’s Scottish Sun on Sunday, Hamish Husband, the Association of Tartan Army clubs spokesman, said:

“The Association of Tartan Army Clubs welcomes moves to reduce the current APD in line with other European cities that Scotland fans visit.

 “The tax penalises the visiting fans too – they come to Scotland to watch football, enjoy our hospitality and contribute to the economy – its only right we encourage more to come to Scotland.”

 Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, said:

 “It’s time to grasp the thistle on this unfair tax.

 “Encouraging greater numbers of travelling football fans to Scotland is an excellent example of how cutting APD is actually an investment.

 “We will be making the case for a 50 per cent cut in one move in April 2018 – which will bring more direct flights, enhanced international links, thousands of jobs and growth to Scotland.

“Cutting APD will also help enable new direct routes from Scotland and access to more great football destinations across the globe in the future.”