Today in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, re-confirmed the government’s intention to remain in the European Aviation Safety Agency following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the safe operation of civil aviation across Europe, including the certifying aircraft and aviation products for use, overseeing approved organisations, and developing regulations and requirements for technical and non-technical aspects of European Aviation.
EASA is unique amongst EU agencies. It is a technical agency with specific roles and responsibilities to ensure a high standard of Aviation safety standard across Europe, and is 70% funded by fees on industry.
If the UK were no-longer to remain in EASA, critical problems could arise such as delays and disruption across the supply chain. Regulatory divergence could also lead to increased costs, impacting the competitiveness of the UK’s global aerospace sector.
ADS has been making the case to remain in EASA and it is positive to see the Transport Secretary re-confirm the Government’s intention to remain in EASA.
During today’s Transport Questions in the House of Commons Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, said:
“It is the Government’s policy and our intent to remain part of EASA. There is no reason not to: countries inside and outside the European Union are part of it, and we supply a substantial proportion of its expertise. The leadership of EASA wants us to stay, and I am confident that, as we get through the process of negotiation, that is where we will end up.”
