Statement on Transport Secretary comments on EASA Membership

Posted on 6 March, 2020 by Alex Hamilton

Today Aviation Week has reported comments by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps that the UK will leave the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), rather than pursuing continued participation in its regulatory regime.

In representing the views of industry to Government throughout the Brexit negotiation period, ADS has been clear that a deal that keeps the UK in EASA and protects Europe’s connectivity is a priority for industry.

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said:

“We have been clear that continued participation in EASA is the best option to maintain the competitiveness of our £36bn aerospace industry and our access to global export markets.

“UK influence in EASA contributes to raising standards in global aviation, supports collaboration with our international partners, and helps make our industry attractive to the investment it needs to be home to the development of a new generation of advanced aircraft technology.

“Government had promised it would consider harmonisation where it is in the UK interest and will be led by the evidence on the future of aviation safety regulation.

"We are disappointed that it has not taken a more ambitious approach. It is essential that it works with us to deliver a regime that does not put jobs at risk in an industry that employs 111,000 people in highly skilled roles across the UK.”