§ Lord Brabazon of Taraasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider exempting enhanced economy services aboard charter airlines from the doubling of Air Passenger Duty on extra-European Economic Area flights from 1 April 2001 on the ground that these are not first or club class services. [HL3939]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyFrom 1 April 2001 reduced rates of Air Passenger Duty will apply to the lowest class of travel on a flight. On the vast majority of charter airline services this will apply to most, if not all, passengers. However, on some charter flights the airlines provide enhanced facilities such as a separate cabin and better quality seats, which are clearly not the lowest class of travel on those flights. In these cases the standard rates of Air Passenger Duty will be appropriate. Airlines have been invited to approach Customs to agree how the changes will affect their flights.