The Coronavirus has put huge pressures on each of us as individuals and our families, but also on our businesses and industry. Since the start of this crisis, the Government’s first priority has been the health and wellbeing of its people and the second has been to safeguard and protect as many jobs and businesses as possible. A few weeks ago I wrote about many of these measures, however, there are some industries which are being more affected than others.
One such industry is aviation, with almost no one flying internationally and few of us planning to right now. Although it can seem far away, Gatwick Airport plays a major role in employing local people and also stimulating huge economic activity for the wider South East region. Many constituents who work at some of the major airlines like British Airways and Virgin have been in touch very worried about their job security. I am working to get back to you all as quickly as I can, and I apologise to those still waiting, we still have many cases to respond to as the volume has been unprecedented. On this issue, I have written to the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, to relay your concerns and I am working closely with other MPs from across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, all of whom have constituents that have been impacted.
The Government has also taken action to help airlines specifically in dealing with the financial pressures they are currently facing. For example, the UK voted in favour of giving airlines the ability to defer payment of charges for European air navigation services for February-May 2020, for 14 months. Given that in February alone the UK's ten largest airlines would have been expected to pay a total of £47.2 million for flights in European airspace, this deferral should go a little way to help airlines manage their current financial burdens.
With a reduction in international travel, many are hoping that once the lockdown restrictions are lifted more of us will take staycations and enjoy our beautiful country. This will be hugely important to areas like ours as we rely heavily on visitors to keep our local economy strong. My team, and I, have been supporting groups like Visit Chichester and the Chichester Chamber of Commerce in online conference meetings where plans are being formed to ensure we can capitalise in local tourism when the restrictions are eased.
We still have a long road ahead but planning for the future is crucial to ensure we rebuild our economy and protect our local businesses and jobs.