Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) regulatory and (b) safety implications of UK-based airlines utilising non-UK-based sub-contractors on (i) aircraft, (ii) crew, (iii) maintenance and (iv) insurance basis for passenger flights originating in the UK.

All foreign carriers operating to the UK, through leasing arrangements or otherwise, are reviewed through the UK’s third country operator approval system and are monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that they meet international safety standards. The ability to lease from non-UK operators provides UK airlines with flexibility and additional temporary capacity during peak periods, helping to reduce delays and cancellations for passengers.