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Aviation Minister - Keynote speaker at BAR UK's AGM

Tony McNulty MP, the Minister for Aviation, was the speaker at BAR UK's AGM held at the Institute of Directors on Thursday last. BAR UK is the trade association for more than 90 scheduled airlines doing business here in the UK.

Questions from BAR UK members to the Minister focused on what action had been taken since the Aviation White Paper was published in December last year. The issue of possible cross subsidisation by BAA of developments at Stansted from profits earned at Heathrow and Gatwick was also brought to the Minister's attention. Finally, BAA's continuing monopoly at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted was raised.

Mike Carter, BAR UK's Chairman, told the meeting that BAR UK would be seeking a meeting with senior officials at the Department for Transport to discuss the issues raised on that morning. Mike went on to say that the level of profits declared by BAA just last week contrasted starkly with the difficult times that many BAR UK members are still enduring. The increased level of charges that the BAA have been allowed to impose, coupled with the very high fuel prices currently being experienced, will continue to make life difficult for BAR UK members in the future.

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For further information contact:
Peter North
Chief Executive
BAR UK