Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support pilot training and aviation sector employment.

The UK Government recognises the impact Covid-19 has had on the aviation sector. In addition to the unprecedented cross-economy package of support, which the aviation sector has utilised extensively, we have put in place several measures to help the sector.

The department has worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to develop temporary regulatory exemptions around licensing and training in light of Covid-19 restrictions, including that enable Pilots to maintain currency through virtual classroom training and flight simulator devices.

The department is working to maximise the use of the existing support measures such as DWP’s Flexible Support Fund and Rapid Response Service to support aviation workers, and working with industry on options to support skills.