MP welcomes duty exemption for off shore helicopter flights

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed the confirmation that North Sea energy firms will remain exempt from air passenger duty on helicopters.

Following a consultation in which business leaders and oil and gas firms objected to an additional £200 charge on flying workers off shore by helicopter, the Treasury has announced that the industry will not be hit by the new levy.

Around 900,000 workers are flown off shore every year and it was feared that the proposed extension to air passenger duty would cost the industry an extra £165 million and weaken investment into North Sea firms.

Mr Carmichael said: “The extension to air passenger duty was never intended to penalise the off shore energy industry and I am pleased that this issue has been clarified.

“The consultation has allowed people from the oil and gas sector to air their views, common-sense has prevailed and the right decision has been made.”