Air Passenger Duty has been partially reformed in the UK as the new tax year begins.

From April 1st, the two more expensive bands of APD are being abolished.

Band C affects people travelling over 4,000 miles, and band ‘D’ affects journeys over 6,000 miles.

Band C passengers flying economy class paid £85 each in APD last year, and will now pay £71, as the fall into the newly expanded Band B.

This is a £14 reduction.

Band D passengers paid £97 last year, and will now pay £26 less, as they fall into the lower band.

Announcing the move in the budget last month, the chancellor of the exchequer said the measure was designed to help boost trade with emerging economic countries like China and Brazil.

However, passengers in band B, which covers flights of 2,000 to 4,000 miles, will see APD rise from £69 to £71.

Further reform will happen on May 1st, when children under 12 will no longer have to pay APD.

Those under 16 will be exempt from March 2016.

Commenting on the changes a spokesman for trade body ABTA said: “From today, travellers taking long haul flights will benefit from the abolition of Air Passenger Duty Bands C and D.

“This will make destinations such as Australia, India and Brazil more accessible to Britons, while travellers to the Caribbean will no longer face competitive disadvantage compared with destinations such as Hawaii. 

“While this is undoubtedly good news for holidaymakers, British travellers still face the highest air taxes on air travel anywhere in Europe and ABTA, along with other members of the Fair Tax on Flying campaign, is as committed as ever to making the case against this damaging tax.”