Airlines UK, the trade body for UK-registered airlines, believes prime minister Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement will alleviate the concerns of airlines, passengers and businesses.
The announcements comes after Parliament embarked on five days’ debate over the withdrawal agreement amid suggestions it is unlikely the PM will get the support she is looking for.
Although the withdrawal agreement has been backed by EU leaders, Parliament will have the final say over whether the agreement is adopted, which would satisfy the conditions for the UK to leave the EU as per its commitment to Article 50.
Tim Alderslade, Airlines UK chief executive, said: “For UK aviation, a withdrawal agreement is clearly in the interests of both the UK and Europe and so this agreement represents a path which can provide certainty and confidence for airlines, passengers and businesses alike.
“Any future Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement – which the Government and EU Commission have signalled their intention to sign post-Brexit – should then aim to deliver the market access between the UK and EU that passengers and cargo benefit from today.”
The government on Tuesday suffered three defeats in the Commons, including being found in contempt of Parliament for failing to publish its full legal advice on the withdrawal agreement.
May described her deal as an “honourable compromise” that delivered on the 2016 vote to leave the EU.
Airlines UK’s 13 members are British Airways, CargoLogicAir, DHL, easyJet, Flybe, Jet2.com, Norwegian UK, Ryanair, Thomas Cook, Tui Airways, Titan Airways, Virgin Atlantic and West Atlantic.
