Cheapflights.co.uk has produced an aviation policy information page for voters in advance of next year’s elections.Aviation tax, CO2 emissions and airport expansion policies from the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties are all compared side by side for those who want to be more aware of key aviation related policies.

Aviation tax will be increased under Labour, and amended to reflect carbon emissions targets by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Tax on carbon emissions and carbon dioxide targets form a key part of the latter two parties’ policies, while Labour will increase Air Passenger Duty (APD) for long haul flights and those travelling in non-economy class within the EEA. Labour is also planning to introduce more airports and more runways, while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are aiming to optimise current airport facilities.

Percentage targets are mentioned by all three parties when it comes to CO2 emissions - Labour wants a 20% reduction in carbon emissions within 13 years, and a 60% reduction by 2050. The Conservatives would also like the same reduction by 2050, while the Liberal Democrats are aiming for 60% of household waste to be recycled by 2012 and 20% of electricity to be generated by renewable sources by 2020.

Francesca Ecsery, General Manager of Cheapflights.co.uk, comments “Consumers can make an impact on the environment by being fully aware of all political party policies regarding aviation”.

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