A report endorsing a planned cut to air passenger duty (APD) in Scotland has been criticised by Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie.

The report carried out by airline group the British Air Transport Association says that the Scottish Government’s proposed 50% reduction in APD will make Scotland more competitive.

However the findings were rubbished by the Scottish Greens.

Party co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “This is a predictably self-serving report from airlines which already benefit from a massive tax break – unlike every other form of transport they don’t pay a penny of fuel tax.

“Scotland can boost its tourism sector but not by putting more money in the pockets of already wealthy frequent fliers and giving a highly profitable and polluting industry a further tax break. Our tourism businesses are crying out for investment in domestic public transport, decent broadband and a skilled workforce, and those are consistent Scottish Green priorities.

“After years of asking, ministers eventually admitted to me that their APD policy would increase climate change emissions. So as well as being socially unjust, their policy would do nothing to get Scotland back on track after four years of failed climate targets.”

The SNP, however, welcomed the endorsement.

Nationalist MSP Mark McDonald said: “This report makes clear, yet again, that having the highest air tax rates in the world holds back the Scottish economy and the SNP’s plans for a reduction in APD will provide a welcome boost.

“We are committed to reducing APD by 50 per cent over the next Parliament, delivering cheaper flights for people in Scotland, supporting our tourism industry, creating jobs – and bringing more direct international flights to Scotland.

“Despite the clear economic benefits of this change, the only business policy Labour has announced is to stick with the highest air tax rates in the world.

“The SNP government is committed to taking the action required to support businesses and grow our economy – developing our vital tourism sector is central to delivering this ambition.”

Airport bosses also greeted the report warmly.

Amanda McMillan, chief executive of AGS Airports Limited which owns both Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: “Scotland’s major airports have always had a very clear position on the importance of abolishing APD and the findings of the BATA report simply reinforce that position.

“APD is the highest form of aviation tax in the world and its reduction, and eventual abolition, will undoubtedly play a major role in strengthening Scotland's connectivity. This is not just about securing new routes.

“APD makes it difficult to sustain existing services, so we would urge the Scottish Government to implement its promised 50% cut in APD as soon as possible to ensure our tourism industry can continue to flourish and Scotland’s economy can thrive.”

The Scottish Government aims to reduce APD by 50%, beginning with a replacement of APD in April 2018 and the reduction completed by 2021.