Brexit: British Airlines

Lord Rotherwick Excerpts

Tuesday 5th March 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sugg]

I was wondering how that would come back to air freight. The noble Lord is right that we are considering air freight as part of our plans to ensure that we have vital medicines. Some medicines with very short half-lives will need to be carried by air freight and the Department of Health is working to ensure that that happens. The decision on the £33 million was made to guarantee that we will be able to carry essential medicines in the event of no deal.

[Lord Rotherwick (Con)]

My Lords, what will be the situation for UK private pilots, of which I am one—

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

[Lord Rotherwick]

I am flying here—who hold EASA licences in a no-deal Brexit scenario?

[Baroness Sugg]

For general aviation pilots, the UK will remain a signatory to the Convention on International Civil Aviation after EU exit. UK-registered aircraft will still be entitled to fly under the rights established by it. EASA licences, which many pilots hold, will continue to be recognised by the CAA.