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Brexit Rules Push UK Cargo Airline to Seek Routine Servicing in the US

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Brexit’s Unintended Consequences on British Aviation

A burgeoning British cargo airline, One Air, has revealed that Brexit-related bureaucratic hurdles have compelled it to travel as far as the United States for routine servicing and repairs. This necessity not only inflates operational costs but also significantly increases the airline’s environmental footprint.

Government Oversight and Regulatory Gaps

Chris Hope, CEO of One Air, criticized the previous UK government for failing to conduct a comprehensive Brexit impact assessment for the aviation sector. He expressed concern that the current Labour administration might neglect a similar assessment when negotiating a reset of the cross-Channel trading relationship with the EU.

Qualification Barriers for Pilots and Engineers

Post-Brexit regulations require British pilots to undergo formal re-examination to obtain EU-equivalent qualifications, imposing substantial financial burdens. Additionally, engineering licenses earned in the UK are rendered nearly worthless outside Britain, severely limiting the mobility and employability of UK-trained engineers.

The lack of mutual recognition for professional qualifications between the UK and EU extends beyond aviation, affecting professions such as architecture and accountancy. This regulatory disconnect poses significant challenges for One Air and other industries reliant on cross-border professional mobility.

Unique Challenges for Boeing 747 Operations

One Air faces compounded difficulties as the only UK-based operator of Boeing 747s. The shift of passenger airlines to Airbus models post-pandemic has led to the rapid disappearance of servicing and maintenance infrastructure for Boeing 747s, leaving One Air with limited options for maintaining its fleet.

Limited Servicing Options and Infrastructure

Under the Brexit arrangement, EU-based aircraft engineering firms could apply for UK recognition by the end of 2022. However, the specialized nature of Boeing 747 maintenance resulted in no firms pursuing this recognition, forcing One Air to depend on the sole recognized repair workshop in Germany or undertake servicing in the US.

Financial and Environmental Strain

Chris Hope highlighted the severe financial impact, stating, “In the seven months of this calendar year so far, we’ve had two [services] that had to go to the US. The kind of incremental cost difference is approaching $500,000 for each of them,” accumulating to approximately $1 million (£780,000). Additionally, the environmental costs associated with long-haul flights for servicing exacerbate the company’s operational challenges.

Duplicative Regulations and Operational Inefficiencies

Hope explained that EU organizations seeking UK approval must apply as new operators, necessitating compliance with duplicate regulations. This process is both time-consuming and financially prohibitive, particularly for smaller fleets, effectively limiting One Air’s operational flexibility.

Industry-Wide Regulatory Challenges

Similar regulatory issues plague the industrial chemical sector, where compliance with both UK and EU regulations, derived from original EU legislation, results in substantial additional costs. This duplicative regulatory landscape hinders the competitiveness and efficiency of UK-based companies across various industries.

Seeking Bilateral Solutions

One Air and the broader aviation industry advocate for a bilateral agreement similar to the existing UK-US deal. Such a framework could serve as a model for re-establishing streamlined relations with the EU, reducing regulatory burdens and facilitating smoother operations for British airlines.

Operational Impact on Aircraft Maintenance

Routine servicing mandates require aircraft to be checked every three months and undergo comprehensive inspections biennially. The necessity for UK-approved components or servicing by US-certified workshops further complicates maintenance protocols, increasing both time and cost.

Degradation of Pilots’ Qualifications

Brexit has severely undermined the recognition of British pilots’ qualifications within the EU, effectively degrading their professional standing and limiting employment opportunities across Europe. This regulatory barrier not only affects individual pilots but also hampers the operational capabilities of UK airlines.

Calls for Mutual Recognition and Government Action

Amy Leversidge, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association, urged the government to pursue mutual recognition of flight crew and engineer licenses, medical certificates, and training organization approvals. Such measures would eliminate barriers for UK license holders seeking employment abroad and benefit all airlines by enhancing workforce mobility.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pledged to address these aviation challenges as part of a broader effort to reset UK-EU relations. A government spokesperson confirmed, “The UK will reset the relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade.”

Conclusion: Navigating Post-Brexit Aviation Challenges

One Air’s struggle highlights the broader repercussions of Brexit on the UK’s aviation industry, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory harmonization and mutual recognition agreements. As the UK seeks to redefine its relationship with the EU, addressing these red tape issues is crucial for ensuring the viability and sustainability of British airlines operating in an increasingly interconnected global market.

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