Air link of ‘massive significance’

East Antrim MLA Councillor Stewart Dickson, who has written to Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster about the issue, claimed. “Any rise in air passenger duty could put in serious jeopardy the Continental Airlines route to New York, which is a crucial link to North America and is very significant to our economy.

“The Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said in correspondence to me that the Chancellor of the Exchequer appears open to listening to the concerns raised by NI Executive Ministers. I very much hope that the Chancellor will listen to the views of people in Northern Ireland on this important subject and act to prevent any negative impact that a move like increasing air passenger duty could have.

“Politicians here must continue to work together to oppose any rise in APD relating to Northern Ireland and we must do all in our power to ensure the route to New York is retained. The route has massive significance for both business and our tourism industry and is a key link as regards attracting investment to Northern Ireland.”