Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support the creation of new long-haul air services to airports across the UK to support international trade as part of the new Aviation Policy Framework.

My Department regards air services to and from UK as an economic priority, essential for the creation of jobs and growth.

We have the world’s third largest aviation market and are working to maintain and expand it. My officials are active at international, multilateral and bilateral levels to support the expansion of air services.

Last year my officials engaged with over 25 countries, ranging from China and Russia to the Bahamas, to renew and update the UK’s air services arrangements. These new arrangements will support the creation of long haul air services to airports across the UK, as well as maximising business opportunities for UK airlines and airports.