Responsibility for aviation in the UK’s Department for Transport has been handed to former roads minister Baroness Charlotte Vere of Norbiton.
The aviation brief together with maritime had been held by Robert Courts, who yesterday announced he was leaving the role to return to the backbenches.
Baroness Vere, who has been at the DfT since 2019, announced on Twitter that she was changing ministerial portfolio to cover aviation and local transport, adding: “Let the hard work begin.”
She added: “I am delighted to be re-appointed as a m minister in DfT. Transport is a key enabler of economic growth and I look forward to delivering existing commitments and working on new opportunities.”
It remains unclear who within the transport department will be given the maritime brief.
Speaking about the announcement, Clive Wratten, CEO of the British Travel Association said: “The BTA welcomes Baroness Vere as the new Aviation Minister. The aviation industry and its supply chain has experienced a significant comeback following the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is a critical time for the new Minister as business travel once again takes its place at the heart of the growth of global Britain.
As flight numbers increase, we must also prioritise how the industry can mitigate its impact on the environment. We look forward to working with Baroness Vere towards a greener and fruitful future for aviation.”