THE United Kingdom's Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has responded to media reports that airline flying rights may be adversely affected following Brexit in a letter intended to bring reassurance to the nation's jittery aviation industry.
Mr Grayling stated in the open letter: 'You may have seen the article on the front page of the Sunday Times. I hope you will also have seen the very strong rebuttal from No 10 (Downing Street), which followed this story. I wanted to write to you today to provide some further reassurance and to be clear on our position.
'As you will already be aware, both the UK and the European Union (EU) have made clear their desire to ensure flights between the UK and EU continue in any scenario. I believe both the UK and the EU have a determination to retain the aviation links, which bring such significant economic and cultural benefits for both sides.
'The UK made this clear in its technical notice on air services for flights to and from the UK published on September 24. And the EU set out its intention to ensure this outcome in a Commission communication on 13 November.'
The letter continued: 'This department fully recognises the importance of giving passengers and businesses confidence to book their holidays and business trips to and from the EU after Brexit.
'As I mentioned at the last industry roundtable, we are exploring what communications will be needed to provide that reassurance. I would like to continue to work with you on precisely this in the coming days.
'I hope this provides you with some reassurance and look forward to further discussions with you in the coming weeks and months.'
WORLD SHIPPING
Mr Grayling stated in the open letter: 'You may have seen the article on the front page of the Sunday Times. I hope you will also have seen the very strong rebuttal from No 10 (Downing Street), which followed this story. I wanted to write to you today to provide some further reassurance and to be clear on our position.
'As you will already be aware, both the UK and the European Union (EU) have made clear their desire to ensure flights between the UK and EU continue in any scenario. I believe both the UK and the EU have a determination to retain the aviation links, which bring such significant economic and cultural benefits for both sides.
'The UK made this clear in its technical notice on air services for flights to and from the UK published on September 24. And the EU set out its intention to ensure this outcome in a Commission communication on 13 November.'
The letter continued: 'This department fully recognises the importance of giving passengers and businesses confidence to book their holidays and business trips to and from the EU after Brexit.
'As I mentioned at the last industry roundtable, we are exploring what communications will be needed to provide that reassurance. I would like to continue to work with you on precisely this in the coming days.
'I hope this provides you with some reassurance and look forward to further discussions with you in the coming weeks and months.'
WORLD SHIPPING