Responding to the announcement that the air carrier Flybe has gone into administration, FSB NI Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie has called for NI’s connectivity to the rest of the UK to be maintained.
Commenting, Tina McKenzie, said:
“The news around Flybe is hugely disappointing and our thoughts go out to the staff and customers affected.
“The routes which Flybe operated play a key role in connecting Northern Ireland businesses with the rest of the United Kingdom and enabling investors and tourists to visit here.
“Beyond business, regional connectivity has enabled students, workers and families to stay connected, regardless of where they are in the UK.
“Maintaining this level of connectivity is crucial to NI’s economic competitiveness going forward, and it is therefore vital that these routes continue to be serviced.
“Given the present government was elected with a strong message of ensuring the regions are properly connected, action should be considered on reducing Air Passenger Duty, which currently puts NI at a competitive disadvantage with airports in the Republic of Ireland.”