Brexit head aviation negotiator job only just advertised by Government
As soon as the EU referendum result was announced almost two years ago, Britain’s airlines urged immediate action to safeguard the “open skies” agreement in Europe. However, the key role of “head of aviation EU exit negotiations” has only just been advertised. No experience of the airline business is necessary.
Air tickets typically go on sale almost a year ahead of departure. With no certainty about whether the current liberal aviation rules will continue after Brexit, airlines are selling flights from the UK to European Union airports which they may not be able to operate from 30 March 2019 onwards.
In addition, the UK has yet to negotiate a post-Brexit deal on transatlantic flights – which are presently governed by an EU-US treaty.
Candidates for the new civil Service post, which carries a salary of up to £71,000, will lead on the “overall negotiating position on aviation” for the UK government.
The successful candidate will: “Establish, lead and manage the core aviation negotiating team.” He or she is required to “bring together views and perspectives of stakeholders to gain a wider picture of the landscape surrounding activities and policies”, and ensure “relevant issues relating to their activity/policy area are effectively fed into strategy and big picture considerations”.
Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, said: “We have always said the UK government needs greater urgency on their Brexit plans and finding a replacement to open skies.
“The fact they are only advertising this role now merely highlights their complacency. The ‘it will be alright on the night’ approach to Brexit will not work for UK businesses, UK consumers and the aviation and travel industries.”
The current open skies agreement covers the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA), which comprises the 28 EU countries plus Iceland, Norway and the Balkan nations that are not yet members of the European Union. An airline from any of these nations can fly any route it wishes within the ECAA, subject to slots being available.
The leading market for Ryanair, which is Europe’s biggest budget carrier, is between Britain and the rest of the EU. Its rival, easyJet, has a busy network within continental Europe.
The job advertisement was uncovered by Tom Parry, senior reporter for the travel trade journal TTG. Prospective applicants are told: “Prior knowledge of airspace and the aviation sector is an advantage but not necessary.”
The government has repeatedly expressed its confidence that the freedom to fly will continue unabated after Brexit. Speaking to The Independent in October, the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “I’m hoping for a positive open skies arrangement with the European Union.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Dedicated teams with many years of experience and expertise” are already working on post-Brexit aviation. “We are now are looking to supplement these existing teams with additional posts.
“Our EU exit plans are well developed and we are working closely with business and trade associations to provide the certainty they need to understand the challenges and opportunities they may face in the coming months and year. We look forward to continuing this work as we negotiate our future economic partnership with the EU.”
