The EU safety certification plan for a no-deal Brexit scenario is welcomed by IATA as a “common sense approach” to the problem.
The EU Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee approved an agreement with the European Parliament on a draft regulation related to aviation safety in a no-deal Brexit scenario, which extends the validity of certain aviation safety certificates, on February 22, 2019.
The regulation covers safety certificates for “certain” UK’s aeronautical products, parts, appliances and aviation training certificates, by extending their validity for nine months, starting on March 30, 2019. That is, only if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union with no withdrawal agreement. The term can be prolonged.
“The extension will allow the operators concerned and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sufficient time so that EASA can continue to issue the necessary certificates under article 68 of the regulation on common rules in the field of civil aviation, taking account of the UK’s status as a third country”, according to Council of the EU statement.
Reacting to the news, IATA called the latest proposals a “common-sense approach”, which “removes many uncertainties”, but called for a comprehensive Brexit agreement.
“The latest proposals adopt a common-sense approach to maintaining and enabling the connectivity between the UK and the EU,” read the statement.”The preference of the airline industry is for a deal between the EU and UK which can enable a permanent comprehensive air services agreement. However, if a no-deal Brexit comes to pass, these latest EU proposals — which crucially the UK government has indicated they will reciprocate — removes many uncertainties for travelers and businesses looking to fly after March 29th. But the EU’s no-deal proposals are just a temporary solution. Only a comprehensive Brexit agreement will ensure the seamless air connectivity travelers expect”.