The UK government has consistently proved itself a menace to developing a sustainable and sensible aviation policy. It should then have thought a little more carefully about trying to hijack the limelight during the launch of the new British Airways A380 service between Hong Kong-London.
Whitehall has long regarded UK airlines as simply tax collectors for its own coffers, rather than a catalyst of developing trade and relations between the British Isles and the rest of the world. And so it was with no hesitation that Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Airlines Group, was quick to shoot down the ridiculous claim that the British Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, was in China to not only fly the flag but also take it back with him aboard the inaugural Hong Kong-London A380 service. Economical with the truth? Well yes, particularly as when the claim was made the plane had already left. And even more so because the UK Government has done nothing to support UK airlines.
A victory for Willie Walsh? He is a modest and incredibly hard working Chief Executive and would not want any victory celebrated, merely noted. More then an own goal for the UK government.
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