Introduction Background Note
8.Budget 2014 announced that the number of Air Passenger Duty destination bands will be reduced from four to two. This will contribute to the UK's growth opportunities by cutting APD rates on flights to many emerging market destinations such as China, India and Brazil.
9.The higher rate of APD is applied to aircraft with an authorised take-off weight of  20 tonnes or more and equipped to seat fewer than 19 passengers.  These aircraft provide enhanced levels of comfort and will not benefit from the rate cuts as part of the banding reform.
10.The consequential amendments to the NIA Act follow a request from the Northern Ireland Executive to align the NI legislation with the UK legislation. It has no effect on the APD devolved rates which continue to be £0.