Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:30 pm on 2 May 2024.
Brian Whittle
Conservative
2:30,
2 May 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the transport secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the potential impact on Scotland’s aviation industry of any proposals to levy an air departure tax on short-haul flights in Scotland. (S6O-03373)
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government continues to explore all the options to implement an air departure tax in a way that protects the connectivity of the Highlands and Islands and complies with the UK Government’s subsidy control regime. At this stage, ministers have not discussed the specific issue that has been highlighted, but we will ensure that all viable options for an air departure tax are evaluated.
Brian Whittle
Conservative
I think that, across the chamber, we all recognise the importance of reducing transport’s carbon footprint but, unlike some, I do not believe that we can best achieve that change by punishing travellers through higher costs for more carbon-intensive travel. Instead, we should be looking to support the innovation that is already under way in Scotland’s aerospace sector to create greener aircraft that are powered by alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen. Does the Minister agree that, before implementing any punitive taxes that would harm an important sector for our economy, we should expand our efforts to support zero-carbon innovation in our aviation sector?
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
I absolutely agree with Brian Whittle that we should be looking to reduce the emissions that come from air travel. The Scottish Government will publish its aviation statement shortly, setting out the actions that we will take to help to achieve our emissions reduction targets and improve our connectivity.
Mr Mark Ruskell
Green
The latest report from the Government’s climate adviser is clear that there is no credible route to net zero without cutting unnecessary air miles. It is, then, time to shift frequent short-haul travellers away from high-carbon flights and on to low-carbon rail. Does the Minister agree that the use of sustainable aviation fuels will not be enough to deliver net zero and that taxation has a key role to play in that transition?
Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government continues to explore all the options for putting an air departure tax in place, but it must be done in a way that protects the connectivity of the Highlands and Islands and, in particular, the lifeline services that people who live and work in those areas rely on. I repeat that the Scottish Government will publish its aviation statement shortly, setting out the actions that we will take to help to achieve our aviation emissions reduction targets and improve our connectivity.
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