UK air transport representatives try to calm concerns over govt aid

UK airline and crew interest groups are trying to allay concerns over planned govt support to the industry after confusion emerged over the nature and extent of financial measures for the sector. Pilot union BALPA insists that recent suggestions that the govt is backpedalling on plans to assist the industry are “misleading”. “Discussions about unique measures for individual airlines are ongoing,” it states. UK chancellor Rishi Sunak had informed Parliament March 17 that, as part of emergency funding measures to counter the impact of the coronavirus crisis, he would be discussing a “specific potential support package” for airlines and airports with UK transport secretary Grant Shapps. He added that they were “actively engaging” with companies and airports in the sector to “establish what support is required”. <br/>