The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has cautiously welcomed reports that the Government intends the UK to remain under European safety standards post-Brexit.

Reports are that the Government is proposing to the EU that the UK remain a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is currently responsible aviation licensing, regulation and safety. Exactly how this will square with the Government’s red line regarding the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice is not clear.

BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:

“We would welcome any move to give much needed clarity and certainty to the aviation sector. We therefore ask Government to confirm that staying part of EASA is indeed its policy. Although EASA isn’t perfect – we have disagreed with them over levels of flying hours for pilots, for example – it is imperative that the ‘no deal’ threat is lifted urgently.

“Membership of EASA is only one element that needs to be resolved. We also need clarity on air transport rights in the EU to ensure that UK airlines can continue to operate and thrive across the continent.

“The Government needs to confirm that this is indeed a first step on the road to certainty, and do so quickly.”