The UK and US government yesterday agreed new open skies arrangements which the UK Department of Transport said ensures “the UK remains one of the world’s leading aviation hubs after Brexit for both travellers and businesses”.
The arrangement will replace the existing European Union (EU) aviation agreement with the United States, as the UK continues prepares for a future outside of the EU from 31 March, 2019.
The Department of Transport said it guarantees the continuation of the transatlantic routes and “protects our £50 billion trading relationship between our two countries that is supported by air travel”.
The deal ensures aircraft flying from the UK will continue to enjoy the same access they currently have with the US. These arrangements will allow airlines to continue to operate undisturbed and aid the development of new services for the future.
And discussions regarding a new bilateral air services arrangement with Canada the department said have reached an “advanced stage” and is one of nine new bilateral arrangements the government has already concluded with countries around the world such as Albania, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Montenegro, Morocco and Switzerland.
On top of this, the Department of Transport said the political declaration agreed between the UK and EU provides for a comprehensive air transport agreement to ensure connectivity for passenger and cargo flights through market access for UK and EU airlines.
Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling said: “The UK and United States have a special relationship which has helped shape the modern world and there is no better example of this than in aviation.
“Our transatlantic flights have helped to bring our countries even closer together, strengthening our ties and boosting our economies.
“This new arrangement and those concluded with 8 other countries around the world are proof that the UK will continue to be a major player on the world stage after we leave the EU.”
International Airlines Group chief executive officer, Willie Walsh said it is “critical” that Britain maintains full access to international aviation markets so it can continue to develop its global trading links and this agreement is a “significant positive development which we welcome”.
“The agreement, which closely follows the Model US Open Skies Agreement, facilitates strong competition and is clearly pro-consumer. The US is a major destination for British businesses and tourists while the UK welcomes many American visitors to its shores,” he added.
The UK government said it will now work closely with industry to continue to look for opportunities to expand “our global aviation network even further” and remains committed to a competitive and liberalised aviation sector.
These new arrangements show the UK is open for business and the accessibility of air services will help deliver connectivity, choice and value for money for consumers and businesses both here and abroad, the government also said.
The government said its commitment to growing and investing in the aviation sector “remains strong” and the aviation strategy, due to be published shortly, will build on today’s announcement outlining a range of new measures that benefit the environment, passengers and businesses across the UK.
