The United Kingdom, or UK, is made up of the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The UK airline industry is well developed, since the Great Britain is a global transportation hub and a visit to all four countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - during one trip should be easily possible.
Traveling on a budget or in style there is a great breadth of experience on offer. If you are planning your first visit, you'll soon be planning your next.
The UK is considered by many to be Europe's leading business centre, while the City of London has long been the European Union's financial centre. Political, economic and social stability in the UK has fostered the skills and productivity of the private sector to ensure continued growth and low inflation since the global recession of 1990 - 1992.
Economic prosperity is greatly assisted by overseas businesses that make the UK their base in Europe. It wins some 25 per cent of inward investment in Europe and more than 40 per cent from Japan, the USA and Asian countries. There are good reasons for this. The UK airline industry is one of the most advanced in Europe. Within the EU, the UK has the least restricted business environment; the least regulated marketplace and workforce; the largest international transport system; best communications; most widely spoken language; lowest top rate of personal taxation; one of the lowest rates of corporation tax; and the most cosmopolitan and culturally diverse capital.
While the UK is an attractive, low-cost centre for European business it is also a knowledge centre offering world-class skills, research and development in cutting-edge technologies: telecoms, e-business, software and semiconductor development, biotechnology, industrial design, life and physical sciences. This is the place for international business/academic partnership, expertise and innovation. Tourism industry in the UK is also a huge source of income.
The UK airline industry has a branching airport network covering the whole country. London Heathrow is the world's busiest international airport. London Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton airports also serve the capital. Belfast City and Belfast International Airports operate in Northern Ireland; Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport function in central England; Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Newcastle airports cater for the north of England assisted by Scotland's main airports at Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. In south England, Southampton is the largest airport, while Exeter, Bournemouth and Bristol airports offer some European services. All air passengers have good transport services by bus, coach, rail or private taxi into the surrounding areas.
There are many local and international air carriers operating on the UK market and the future of the UK airline industry is prosperous.