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BAR UK, the trade association for scheduled airlines doing business in the UK, held its first General Meeting for all delegates at the end of January.

The guest speaker was Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody MP, Chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee. In reviewing the state of the industry she told BAR UK members to remember that they did not operate in a vacuum and that the environmental impacts of aviation must be considered and contained if the industry is to expand.

BAR UK's Chairman, Mike Carter of Continental Airlines, introduced a newly co-opted Director to the delegates. Simon Bean of Air New Zealand has replaced Sally Martin from Qantas. BAR UK also has two new members - China Eastern Airlines and Jat Airways.

Delegates discussed the programme of work for 2004. Capacity at Heathrow, taxation, airport charges and immigration issues will all be part of BAR UK's agenda for the year ahead.

Members are particularly concerned about the price hikes proposed by the BAA at London Heathrow. BAR UK has told the BAA that their proposal to increase airport charges by 10.5% as of April this year is unacceptable. The prices at Heathrow were increased by 9% at the beginning of April last year. 20% in twelve months is too much.... ENDS

For further information contact:
Peter North
Chief Executive
BAR UK