The Draft European Union-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which sets the stage for the UK to leave the EU Single Market and Customs Union in January, outlines measures designed to ensure continued air connectivity and provide for a level playing field, according to the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). However, UK operators will no longer be considered as EU carriers and will lose certain traffic rights. In addition, the administrative burden surround use of products might increase.
In its initial guidance to members on the agreement that the European Commission published on December 26, EBAA said the draft was designed to limit disruption as much as possible and “foresees cooperation between the EU and UK and contains dedicated titles on transport and aviation which require appropriate level playing field guarantees.”
EU and UK carriers will be able to continue unlimited carriage of passenger and cargo between the EU and in the UK under what is considered 3rd and 4th freedoms. But onward carriage, the “5th freedom” involving routes such as Paris-London-New York, would be permitted only for cargo flights if a bilateral agreement is put in place. Operators must meet applicable licensing measures.
Also under the agreement, the UK will no longer participate in the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or participate in the EASA regulatory framework. The draft provides for recognition of future design and environmental certificates to ease the use of parts produced in each other’s territories. This will facilitate trade, EBAA said, but it will not reduce duplication or added administrative burdens. Existing design certificates remain valid.
As for a level playing field, the draft includes protections of passenger rights and issues such as ground handling, slots, and fuel taxation.