OVERVIEW

We are delighted to announce that the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Minister of State for Transport is our confirmed keynote speaker.

The Government is busy shaping its future vision for the UK Aviation Industry. Having cancelled construction of a third runway at Heathrow and objected to further runways at Stansted and Gatwick it has set up a South East Airports Taskforce to look at improving the passenger experience at airports within a capacity constrained environment.  It is currently looking at firming up the direction of its reforms on the economic regulation of airports and on the regulation of aviation security as well as forming its position on aviation taxation, the latter two are due for consultation shortly. The Government has also announced that it will issue a scoping document on aviation policy in the New Year, followed by a draft policy document for full public consultation in early 2012, with a view to adopting its new aviation strategy in 2013.

Issues for debate:

• What is the government’s future strategy for UK aviation?
• Are there any emerging conclusions from the South East Airports Taskforce?
• What are the implications of moving from Air Passenger Duty to a Per Plane Tax?
• How can Heathrow retain its place as a leading global transport hub?
• What role will regional airports have in the future strategy?
• What will the final shape of the new economic regulatory framework for airports look like?
• How can we improve operations at airports and improve the passenger experience?
• Will the EU emissions trading scheme be enough to safeguard the environment?
• How can Aviation help the economic recovery?
• What is the best model for the delivery of aviation security?