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We've been warned flights could be grounded after Brexit if there's no deal.

So this intriguingly-worded job ad seems puzzling, to say the least.

The Tory government is recruiting a £70,000-a-year aviation negotiator for Brexit - who, er, doesn't need any knowledge of aviation.

The statement has been spotted by eagle-eyed observers of the Department for Transport website.

The new 'Head of Aviation EU Exit Negotiations' will lead the UK government's entire negotiation position on aviation in Brexit talks.

The role will pay between £62,500 and £70,900 a year, and also involve making future aerospace laws and steering the "future of our aviation safety".

Despite all this, the job ad says: "Prior knowledge of airspace and the aviation sector is an advantage but not necessary."

(Image: TMS)

Labour MP Gareth Thomas, of anti-Brexit group Best for Britain, said: "How can the government be advertising for vital jobs... yet not require experience in that sector?

"Planes will be grounded, holidays will be ruined and business operations will grind to a halt - all because this government has conducted Brexit like the political equivalent of Captain Mannering and Private Pike.

"This is becoming a national embarrassment."

Ryanair also questioned why the job is only being advertised now - almost two years to the day after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said: “We have always said the UK government needs greater urgency on their Brexit plans and finding a replacement to [the] open skies [agreement].

“The fact they are only advertising this role now merely highlights their complacency.

(Image: PA)

"The ‘it will be alright on the night’ approach to Brexit will not work for UK businesses, UK consumers and the aviation and travel industries.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The Department for Transport has dedicated teams with many years of experience and expertise already working on both aviation EU Exit and on airspace policy.

"We are now are looking to supplement these existing teams with additional posts.

"Our EU exit plans are well developed and we are working closely with business and trade associations to provide the certainty they need to understand the challenges and opportunities they may face in the coming months and year. We look forward to continuing this work as we negotiate our future economic partnership with the EU.”