-
and discuss priorities
post-Brexit with aviation industry leaders
- aviation access to remain the same during the implementation
period, offering vital reassurance to consumers and businesses
- industry leaders and government speak of confidence for the
implementation period and beyond
The Transport Secretary, and , Minister for Exiting the
European Union, have met with representatives from the aviation
industry today (25 April 2018) to discuss how the sector can
continue to flourish after the UK leaves the EU.
The meeting with senior representatives from
the UK aviation
industry follows the Prime Minister’s tour of
the UK to mark one
year until Brexit.
And it also follows agreement in March 2018 between
the UK and
the EU to the terms
of the implementation period, ensuring the aviation industry can
continue to benefit from the existing liberal market access until
the end of 2020. This paves the way for the UK to continue to participate in
the European Aviation Safety
Agency during this period.
The Transport Secretary spoke of the importance of the liberal
aviation access agreements and harmonised safety standards,
underlining the benefits they bring to both the UK and the EU.
Both representatives from industry and government ministers
agreed it is in the interests of both the UK and the EU to secure a good deal for
aviation as soon as practical in the future negotiations,
ensuring businesses and citizens can continue to enjoy a high
level of connectivity, choice and value for money.
Transport Secretary said:
Aviation connectivity is crucial for businesses and citizens
alike and it is vital that market access continues
uninterrupted.
It has been invaluable to discuss with industry leaders their
priorities for a future deep and special partnership with
the EU on
aviation. We are confident that the UK will get a good deal which
allows our aviation industry to continue to flourish.
DExEU Minister
said:
Britain’s aviation industry is one of the biggest in Europe,
and we are pleased the EU has recognised its importance
to people and businesses right across the continent as we move
onto discussing our future partnership.
We are focused on reaching an agreement with
the EU which
secures the right arrangements for this vital industry so it
continues to go from strength to strength.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:
UK airlines support
the implementation period and the reassurance that market
access to, from and within the EU – as well as to third countries
such as the United States – will be protected. We are pleased
that the government accepts that continued participation in the
European Aviation Safety Agency is both desirable and in the
interests of all sides.
We welcome that aviation is a priority in the negotiations and
look forward to discussions on future market access beginning
as soon as possible. We are confident there will be a deal that
secures open and liberal aviation arrangements beyond 2020, for
the benefit of all European consumers.
Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association
(AOA) Karen
Dee said:
With nearly three-quarters of visitors to the UK and 40% of
the UK’s trade by
value travelling by air, aviation provides the necessary
international connectivity for a truly global
Britain. UK airports stand ready to
facilitate the connectivity of the future.
We look forward to a continued dialogue as
the UK government
and the EUbegin
negotiations on the future relationship to ensure that it
allows the passenger to continue to benefit from excellent air
connectivity, whether they live and work in
the EU, UK or beyond.
The UK government
and the aviation industry have agreed to continue their
collaborative and positive engagement throughout the Brexit
negotiations.
