Aerospace chief warns delayed Brexit could harm industry

A failure to prioritise agreements on aircraft regulation could cause irreparable damage to the UK's aerospace industry, according to the head of the Industry Trade Body.

The aerospace sector brings in almost £34 billion a year but has been struggling to stay afloat with the significantly reduced demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tony Wood, the president of the aerospace trade association, ADS, said: “We are now at that critical point where political decisions on the negotiating priorities with Europe need to be made."

"The aerospace industry absolutely requires a comprehensive bilateral agreement with Europe if we are to preserve our position at the top table and number two position in the world."

The British aerospace industry has also been facing pressures from the US following a 16-year feud between Boeing and Airbus leading to the US pushing tariffs British companies.

All aspects of the transport industry are also facing blowbacks in the face of a no-deal Brexit.

Industry experts are frustrated the government are focusing on fishing rights, which could disrupt border agreements and significantly affect the industry's £30 billion in annual exports.

Mr Wood added there appears to be "higher political priorities in other industries," adding that it was "time to choose."

He said: “The aerospace and defence industries underpin 375,000 jobs in the UK and they are some of the best-paid jobs in engineering and advanced manufacturing.”

Other experts fear adding a bilateral agreement to negotiations will add cost and complexity of the certification process.

The effects of the pandemic have already caused a drastic technological shift in the industry as reliance on fossil fuels has significantly affected the incomes of big aerospace companies.

Airbus has already unveiled plans for zero-emission hydrogen-powered jets which they hope will take flight by 2035.

This comes in line with the EU Green Deal and their plans to prioritise green and renewable energy in line with pandemic recovery.

The global aerospace industry has vowed to continue cutting CO2 emissions levels, which has resulted in many companies adopting more environmentally-friendly designs.

The European Commission has also considered adding regulations that require the aviation industry to meet certain renewable targets to reduce the significant effect the sector has on the environment.

Currently, responsibility for certification relies on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which has mutual agreements with regulators across the globe.

In the event of a no-deal, all Britain-made parts would become invalid in the EU on 1 January.

Many companies have already shifted production outside of the UK to cut costs and avoid future regulations.

Many in the industry are concerns that once the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December, the British aviation authorities will not have the will not have clearance to confirm both existing and new technologies.

Wood said: "In my opinion, it will take five years fro CAA to be as fully functional mutually recognised as the EUASA is today."

Another industry specialist said: “There is a question as to whether the CAA will be a good enough regulator in what will be a potentially transformational period for global aviation.”

Tim Johnson, director at the Civil Aviation Authority said: “Since the 2016 referendum, we have been preparing to take over design certification responsibilities for UK companies as we leave the European system for aviation safety. We look forward to playing our part in enabling new and existing aerospace technologies in the future.”

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