UK airports group the Airports Operators Association has urged talks on new flying rights in Europe to get underway soon following the publication of the government’s Brexit white paper.
The AOA welcomed the long-awaited white paper and its commitment to seek an aviation agreement with the EU that closely matches today’s arrangements.
But Karen Dee, AOA chief executive, said there needs to be early discussions between regulators both here and in the EU so practical advice and guidance is available to negotiators and businesses.
Dee said: “We welcome confirmation in the government’s Brexit white paper of its proposal to seek an aviation agreement that matches as closely as possible today’s traffic rights and aviation regulation arrangements.
“Such a liberalised approach will maintain outstanding connectivity and choice, which will benefit consumers, businesses and trade across the UK and the EU.
“It is vital that both sides now secure the implementation period by finalising the withdrawal agreement and enabling its early ratification.
“This will provide consumers and businesses – both in the UK and the EU – with the necessary confidence about future arrangements.
“Agreeing the detail of future arrangements is a complex task so it is important that discussions get underway as soon as possible.
“As such the AOA calls for early discussions to take place between the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other relevant authorities to discuss the technical arrangements for all possible scenarios to support both negotiators and businesses with practical advice and guidance.”