Brexit-related complications are forcing cargo planes like One Air’s Boeing 747 to take longer and more costly routes to the USA for servicing. Here’s why this is happening.
Costs Are Increasing
One Air is concerned about the travel arrangements and implications that filter from the government to companies operating in the UK. The cargo carrier said it had to endure an ordeal of travelling a longer and more expensive route to have its aircraft serviced in the US instead of just going to a neighbouring EU country.
“Brexit Red Tape” Problems
Chris Hope, the CEO of One Air, blames the “Brexit red tape” for the complications UK pilots face even for a routine aircraft service. He said he hoped the Prime Minister would bring this situation up when he has “trading reset talks.”
Trading Reset Talks – What is It?
Trading reset talks refer to the hopeful collaboration between the EU and the UK post-Brexit. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his goal to “reset relationships,” “rediscover our common interests,” and “renew the bonds of trust and friendship” between the UK and the EU.
Only One Accommodating EU Workshop for 747
According to Hope, the cargo carrier only has an option of one aircraft workshop located in EU Germany, which is also “recognised by the UK.”
Limited to No Capacity
The problem with insufficient places to service aircraft, like in One Air’s case, is limited space availability. If the German workshop is full to capacity with services and cannot accommodate One Air’s 747, then the US will be the company’s only next stop.
British Pilots Affected by Brexit Regulations
The complications with Brexit regulations affect pilots in a significant way. The pilots are only allowed to fly UK-registered aircraft and are issued a UK license.
What Was It Like Pre-Brexit?
According to The British School of Aviation, the EU developed a flying system recognised across all EU countries before Brexit. Pilots’ licenses under the EU initiative before Brexit allowed them to use it in all EU countries.
Post-Brexit: Scrapped CAA & Limited Flying Options
The UK Civil Aviation Authority, or CAA, formed part of the EU’s European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). After Brexit, this alliance was annulled.
UK Pilot’s Licenses No Longer Recognised in EU
According to Hope, British pilot’s licenses are no longer “recognised” by the EU and thus “degraded.”
Does Nobody Want to Service Boeing 747s in the EU?
Despite EU engineering companies having had the opportunity to apply for recognition in the UK till the end of 2022, not everyone did. Hope said, “There were no takers for the 747.” Now, One Air only has one workshop in Germany and other options in the United States.
How Much Did It Cost?
Traveling the long route to the US adds additional financial stress to the air carrier. The CEO said the company had spent around $1 million (£770,000) depending on the exchange rate. Hope said that it only accounted for two services in the US this year.
Medical Also Implicated
According to the British School of Aviation, a pilot’s medical exam has to be taken in the same country from which the license was obtained. Just like with the pilot’s license, if the medical is done elsewhere outside the EU, it’s not valid. However, EASA license holders can take their medical examination in any country. British pilots are extremely limited.
Speaking on Behalf of the Rest
The General Secretary of British Airline Associates, Amy Leversidge, appealed to the Labour government to consider the UK pilots when speaking to the EU. Leversidge mentions key areas that need to be considered with the “relationships reset” talks.
Address Pilots Concerns With EU
The Secretary of General Airline Associates wants the Prime Minister to ask the EU for “mutual recognition.” Mutual recognition should extend across key areas related to the flight crew, engineers, and all the additions related to it.
A Way Forward
Another reason to “reset” relations is due to the trade benefits it could grant between the EU and the UK. Foreign Secretary David Lammy wrote an article expressing his mission to continue supporting the pursuit of a reset in relations.
Meet With Other Leaders
Lammy spoke of plans to meet with key EU foreign leaders to discuss the future of the relations reset. Key members include Radik Sirkoski, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Annalena Baebock, Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billstom.
Tackle Challenges Together
Lammy said the UK and EU have mutual challenges, and what better way to tackle challenges than to work together? He shares and expresses the same sentiments as the UK Prime Minister.
Resetting Relationships Addresses Safety & More
Starmer hosted the EU Summit at Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire in July 2024, just two weeks after Labour won the election in a “landslide victory.” He hosted 45 European leaders and discussed various serious concerns, such as security for the UK and Europe as a whole.
Everyone’s Interest at the Core of the Reset
Starmer said it isn’t just “a good idea to work with our partners, it’s essential.” He reiterated his promise to “govern for the whole country, including those who didn’t vote for us,” he added.
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