Public Servant Lifestyle

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published the results of an Office for National Statistics (ONS) Omnibus Survey from May 2006 of public experiences and attitudes towards air travel.

The survey provides valuable information on the frequency of flights taken each year, opinions of the service experienced by passengers at UK airports as well as their views on issues such as airport expansion, security and the impact of aviation on the environment.

The results suggest that whilst people are keen to enjoy the benefits of having more services and destinations to choose from, they are aware of the environmental impacts of aviation and will support efforts to limit the effects.

Amongst the findings are:

Almost half (49%) of all adults in the UK had flown at least once in the previous year and 15% had flown at least three times during that period

70% of adults agreed that air travel harms the environment, an increase from 62% from a similar survey undertaken in 2002

78% of respondents supported continued access to unrestricted air travel, provided they were sure that damage to the environment was limited

85% of respondents were satisfied with the facilities provided at UK airports whilst 81% said they were satisfied with the level of security

Secretary of State for Transport Douglas Alexander agreed with the findings of the survey: "The survey underlines the value that the public attaches to flying, whilst recognising the importance of providing this service in a sustainable way.

"This is why the Government maintains a balanced approach to future growth in the industry, setting people's wishes to travel against the need to face up to our responsibilities towards the environment.

"The international nature of aviation means it requires an international response. That is why the UK is pressing strongly for aviation's inclusion within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme as soon as possible. At the same time, we are working with the UK industry to explore how improvements in aircraft design, fuel technology and air traffic control can improve efficiency and reduce aviation's environmental impact."

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