BATA is the trade association for UK-registered airlines. Our members cover all sectors of the industry, carrying over 131  million passengers and 1.1 million tonnes of cargo a year and are responsible for some 96% of UK airline output.

Between them, BATA members operate to most parts of the world, employing over 73,000 staff and a fleet of more than 770 aircraft – four fifths of the UK commercial fleet. The broader UK aviation industry employs 234,000 staff, contributes £ 18.4 billion to the UK Gross National Product and £7.8 billion in taxation to the Exchequer. Aviation pays more tax than the national average. Air Passenger Duty (APD), paid by departing passengers, is a virtually unique national tax and acts as a trade barrier to the development of the UK aviation industry and the wider UK economy.

Nine out of ten air journeys from UK airports are international. Air transport is the public transport network of the global economy and vital to the UK’s performance as a trading nation. Aviation supports business through international connectivity, the movement of goods and people and attracting inward investment.

Almost 40% by value of UK trade with non-EU countries is transported by air.

The UK is a major destination for overseas visitors. Those arriving by air, who account for 73% of visits to the UK, contribute over £15.6 billion to the economy or nearly 84% of foreign visitor spending each year.

Aviation is a social good. Travel to visit friends and relatives (VFR) is the fastest growing segment of the non-business travel market and is the most important reason for travel at some UK airports.

Air travel is valued by a wide cross-section of the nation. Half the population travel by air at least once a year and three-quarters at least once every five years. The majority of air journeys are taken by people in the C, D and E socio-economic groups.

BATA members recognise the external impacts of air travel and take their environmental responsibilities very seriously. We strongly support a strategy for sustainable development based on technology and efficiency, linked to fair and effective environmental and economic measures, applied internationally.

As regards climate change, aviation is currently a relatively small contributor (2% of man-made CO2 emissions). However, BATA members are playing their full part in addressing this global challenge. All flights to and from EU airports are part of the EU Emissions Cap and Trade scheme from January 2012 and we strongly support the joint international aviation industry proposal for a global sectoral approach as part of any post-Kyoto agreement on climate change.

BATA is confident that the UK Government 2050 target for UK aviation CO2 emissions can and will be achieved.

BATA plays a leading role in Sustainable Aviation, the world-leading joint sustainability initiative for UK aviation.

See the Focus on Policy section of this site for more detail.

Latest News:

The strike by French Air Traffic Controllers is causing disruption for many passengers today (Tuesday 11th June) travelling between the UK and Europe. It also has the potential to cause delays on all flights through French airspace tomorrow, not just those to and from France. Passengers should check with their airlines, normally via the airline’s website, for further advice.

Simon Buck, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association, has commented on the Publication of the ITC Report on UK Aviation Strategy