Transport Secretary reassures airlines of continuing cross-Atlantic air traffic beyond 2019
Chris Grayling emphasises his support for minimal disruption as the UK seeks new air-traffic arrangements with the US
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said on Thursday he had met with Trump administration officials and US airlines to reassure them that air traffic would not be disrupted as Britain leaves the European Union in 2019.
In an interview, Mr Grayling said he emphasised in the talks in Washington with his US counterpart, Elaine Chao, and US airline executives that aviation arrangements would be ready to go into effect when Britain departs the EU.
“Obviously there is a lot of interest amongst the US airlines about exactly what the future looks like,” he told Reuters. “I wanted to reassure them that this is an early priority to make sure the successor arrangements are in place.
“I have no doubt we will be able to sort out these issues in good time.”
Mr Grayling’s visit came in the same week as one by the Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, who is trying to pave the way for a US-British free-trade agreement after Brexit.
A bilateral trade deal has been welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who met with Prime Minister Theresa May on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Hamburg this month and described a potential agreement as “a very, very big deal, a very powerful deal, great for both countries”.
The British Government has touted its ability to strike one-on-one deals with other countries since voting to withdraw from the European Union last June.
But airlines have warned that it must prioritise aviation in Brexit negotiations if it wants to avoid major disruption to air trade. In particular, carriers plan their flight schedules early.
The Brexit vote means Britain has to renegotiate access to European skies and separately with the US. There are roughly 250 flights from the UK to the US every day.
Britain cannot formally agree to an Open Skies treaty with the US until it has left the EU, but Mr Grayling said talks had already started to ensure that arrangements were in place.
“There is no need for us to create an exotic new treaty,” he said. “It’s just a question of making sure existing arrangements continue post-2019. The US and UK administrations are working closely together on this and everybody knows we need to provide comfort to the airlines in good time.”
Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments