§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent steps his Department has taken further to liberalise services to Manchester and other regional airports for airlines wishing to serve them; and if he will make a statement on the prospects for further liberalisation. [28663]
§ Mr. NorrisThe United Kingdom already has a large number of bilateral agreements with foreign partners which allow the airlines of both sides access to regional airports in both countries. In most cases it is solely a lack of demand that inhibits the provision of services under these agreements.
Services between the USA and UK regional airports, Stansted and Luton, were liberalised last year. Since then several new services have been introduced by US and UK airlines to regional airports. Over the past 12 months, new regional rights have also been negotiated with Jordan, Mauritius, the Seychelles, the Gulf, Pakistan and South Africa. Additionally, Israel was granted a third ex gratia frequency for El Al to serve Manchester.
The Department of Transport continues to aim to liberalise its air services agreements with other countries, taking into account the interests of consumers, airlines and airports. The effect of new air services to regional airports on the regional economy is also taken into account.