The UK civil aviation authority (CAA) has issued advice aimed at the aviation industry on what a potential ‘no deal’ Brexit outcome would mean for the sector.
In the statement, the CAA said, “Determining the future relationship is a matter for the UK government in its negotiations with the EU. The CAA welcomes the ambition for aviation – including exploring participation in EASA – set out on June 7, 2018. The CAA understands that the aviation industry and its consumers want as much clarity as possible with respect to the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
“A key feature of the EASA safety system is mutual recognition of licences, certificates and approvals among participating member states. Aviation is inherently an internationally integrated industry. This is reflected in regulatory arrangements for personnel such as pilots and engineers, and support operations such as design, maintenance and spare parts production.
“We believe that if the UK government and CAA’s preferred outcome of ongoing EASA membership proves not possible, then a continuation of mutual recognition, at least for a time-limited period, would strongly be in the interests of consumers and the aviation industry both in the UK and the rest of Europe.
“We are providing information on this microsite (LINK) to enable aviation businesses and organizations to make their own decisions on how to prepare for a range of scenarios, regardless of their likelihood. This includes a scenario where there is a non-negotiated withdrawal and the European Commission does not agree to continue mutual recognition of UK safety licenses, certificates and approvals after 29 March 2019.”
The CAA has highlighted the importance of aviation bodies in preparing for a non-negotiated withdrawal from the EU. At present, the specifications are still unclear as to how such a deal would impact the sector.
The statement continued, “As a responsible regulator, we need to prepare for the possibility that no agreement is reached between the UK and the EU. We have been undertaking this work for some time to ensure there is maximum continuity and stability for traveling passengers and the aviation and aerospace sectors should a no-deal scenario occur.
“On 24 September 2018, the UK government published technical notices that outline in detail the implications of a non-negotiated withdrawal from the EU on the aviation and aerospace industries. These covered aviation safety, aviation security and air services. We urge our stakeholders to read these technical notices and consider as soon as possible what action they might need to take to maintain continuity and stability of aviation services they provide.
“The CAA has developed this microsite to be a central source of information for the aviation and aerospace industries about the actions they would need to take to be prepared for a no deal withdrawal from the EU and no continued mutual recognition. Where a specific action is required, this is underlined.
“The content of this microsite is based on the information set out in the government’s technical notices, and is subject to current understanding about the government’s policy and how it would incorporate the EU aviation body of law into UK law under the Withdrawal Act.
“Any changes to the government’s policy or legal framework could lead to changes to the information contained on this website.”
