There is little, if any point in targeting the CAA for criticism in this case. The Government, or more specifically, G Osborne esq. is raising indirect taxes/reducing services in all areas, the CAA is just one. This is surprising only in as much as people appear surprised, and if the final outcome is less air shows then George is happy because CAA staff numbers/costs can be reduced even further, thus saving him more money.
'It is not the role of the state to provide or support air shows' would be his line. Watch this space as things are unlikely to get better, am just disappointed that so many of our Conservative MP's seem happy to go along with this.