UK pilots expect Brexit turbulence

UK pilots have given Brexit the thumbs down.

Only one in ten pilots think leaving the European Union will be positive for UK aviation

Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association were asked whether they think Brexit will have a positive or negative effect on the industry.

Half said they thought it would bring negative effects, with 39% saying it would have a neutral impact, and 2% saying they didn’t know. Just 9% think it will have a positive impact.

The survey of Balpa members takes place every two years and included the question on Brexit this time.

General secretary Brian Strutton said: “The feedback from our members is that a significant proportion are concerned that Brexit will be bad for UK aviation.

“While Balpa remained neutral on the referendum itself, we do find the slow pace at which negotiations are taking place concerning.

“We sincerely hope the government is doing all it can to get us the best possible deal, but flights for March 2019 will go on sale in just two months and passengers are yet to have any clarity on exactly what agreements will be in place when they’re booking their tickets.

“We’re now seeing that the EU is considering emergency plans to keep the UK flying should there be a ‘no deal’ Brexit but we’re unsure of exactly what this looks like and what effect this will have on our £60 billion-a-year industry.

“We’d like assurances from the government on the arrangements that will be in place and that UK aviation will be able to continue to operate as normal post-Brexit.”