Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to lower the level of taxation for pilot training; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is aware that airlines often require their pilots to make a contribution to their own training costs.

At Autumn Budget 2017, the government announced it would consult on extending the scope of tax relief available for self-funded work-related training by employees and the self-employed. This consultation was published on 13 March 2018.

In addition, the government is supporting the development of training schemes through the apprenticeship levy. The levy, which was launched on 6 April 2017, will fund a step change in apprenticeship numbers and quality. The levy helps to reverse the trend of underinvestment in training by employers and put control of funding for apprenticeships in employers’ hands. Employers have already developed new apprenticeship standards in aviation, which include Airside Ground Specialist and Aviation Operations Manager. The Commercial Airline Pilot standard is currently in development.