We are concerned that steps need to be taken urgently to make arrangements on aviation safety after the UK leaves the EU.
As such, we have written to European Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier – in a joint letter with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), an international trade association for the sector – to request that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) begin technical and contingency planning discussions by June’s European Council, separately from political negotiations.
If aviation safety arrangements have not been fully prepared to avoid any uncertainty over the legal status of UK certified aircraft designs and parts, or aircraft maintenance approvals, pilot and technician licences, aircraft could be unable to fly.
These technical and contingency planning discussions must establish clarity on the relationship between the UK and the EU under the two most likely scenarios:
- The Withdrawal Agreement not being ratified before the UK leaves the EU, meaning no transition period coming into effect.
- The Withdrawal Agreement being ratified before the deadline at midnight 29 March 2019, meaning a transition period takes effect until 31 December 2020.
