Interestingly, new polling data shows it’s not just me who is sceptical of the industry’s claims. The public are too. Recent polling of six Western European countries, including the UK, by More in Common, and analysed by NEF, shows a whopping 74% of those who expressed an opinion were more inclined to think that ​“the economy can grow without people needing to fly more” compared with just 26% who leaned towards flying being ​“essential for economic growth”. Interestingly, even those who travel by air for business weren’t convinced, with 60% leaning towards the economy being able to grow without people needing to fly more. Perhaps most revealingly, just 19% of business travellers reported that ​‘if they didn’t fly for the next 5 years’ it would ​‘limit their ability to do their job properly’ – hardly a ringing endorsement of air travel’s importance to business.

The trend away from corporate air travel is at least partly (though not strongly) driven by environmental concerns and responsible business. Nonetheless, to deal with aviation’s colossal environmental footprint stronger government action is going to be required.

NEF has been campaigning for a frequent flyer levy as a means to tackle aviation’s climate impact in a just way. The policy is seen as fair by the public, with 47% supporting it as ​‘very or somewhat fair’ compared with just 20% who see it as ​‘very or somewhat unfair’. Many business travellers are among the most frequent flyers, yet interestingly, our polling analysis suggests this group are more likely than average to see the policy as fair, with 52% seeing it as ​‘very or somewhat fair’ compared with 22% who saw it as ​‘very or somewhat unfair’.

Frequent Flyer Levy

Source: NEF analysis of polling conducted by More in Common

Whichever party forms the next UK government will, sooner or later, have to get to grips with the damage air travel is doing to the climate. The progressive steps made by business to move away from reliance on regular flying will make that job easier, proving that a rapid green transition can be delivered in a way which is also hugely beneficial to the health of the economy and society. Charting the right course with fair and effective policy making will invariably mean pushing back against industry propaganda and vested interests.

Image: iStock