The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has today published a Brexit analysis report, calling for negotiators in both Brussels and London to preserve the current aviation relationship as far as possible.
The report, completed in partnership with Clyde & Co, presents the current relationship between the EU and the UK, before presenting six scenarios for a future one. It maps out the key topics of interest for the business aviation industry – traffic rights, ownership and control, VAT/customs duty and the future relationship with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – analysing how these topics would fare under a future scenario.
Through this analysis the report concludes that maintaining the existing relationship as far as possible is key in avoiding detrimental impacts on the business aviation community. This scenario is closely followed by a scenario where the UK joins the European Economic Area, an approach taken by countries such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Speaking ahead of the EU Affairs Ministers meeting at which the transition guidelines are expected to be signed off in Brussels today, EBAA CEO Brandon Mitchener said:
“As Brexit moves into its second phase of negotiations, this report is a helpful reminder of the expectations of the European business aviation industry from the Brexit negotiations. As a sector that contributes significantly to both the EU and UK economies through the people who power them, it is paramount that these negotiations result in a strong relationship between the EU and the UK.
Mitchener pointed to industry’s continued need for certainty and clarity on what the future will bring: “I am concerned by the negotiating stance that ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’ as it continues to generate anxiety within the business aviation community. I hope that negotiators can move quickly reassure businesses about what a future relationship will entail and what it will mean specifically for the business aviation industry.”