Labour aviation pledge welcomed

GMB and Airlines UK have issued a joint statement in response to Labour’s manifesto, released today.

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary and Tim Aldersdale, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

“We welcome the commitment from Labour to securing the long-term future of UK aviation, which is such a critical enabler of economic growth and prosperity whilst being responsible for hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs.

“It’s especially encouraging to see Labour’s support for the technologies that will drive the net zero transition across aviation and provide the green industrial workforce of the future.

"A UK SAF industry, for example, has the potential to support up to 60,000 new jobs by 2050 across all parts of the UK, producing fuel which reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by 70%.

“Completing the airspace modernisation programme and continuing to support investment in hydrogen technology and R&D, which has the potential to create thousands of jobs through exporting UK-made technologies and knowledge, will further drive down emissions whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a world-leading innovator of aviation and aerospace technologies.

“This is an exciting opportunity for a strong partnership with Government, driving an industrial strategy for aviation and coming together to tackle the challenges of decarbonisation whilst protecting the international connectivity that brings so many advantages - and union jobs - to the UK.”

ENDS

Media enquiries: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at press.office@gmb.org.uk