EasyJet chairman: We’re ready for no-deal Brexit
EasyJet insists it is ready for a no-deal Brexit but continues to monitor wider external risks.
Chairman John Barton met with shareholders today to reassure them of the airline’s Brexit contingency plans.
He said although the airline is well prepared ‘operationally’, it remains focussed on the ‘broader external risks’ that could emerge, in particular in the event of a no deal.
"These risks may be sector and/or non-sector specific and their impact is, by definition, less certain," he said.
"This would include any impact on consumer confidence or the potential cost and operational impacts arising from increased friction in travel between the EU and the UK. Our focus remains on monitoring any such risks and being as ready as possible to put in place scenario plans to address them."
In readiness for Brexit, he said EasyJet has ring-fenced new operations in Austria and the UK so there is no reliance on existing EU traffic rights.
It has transferred over 1,000 pilots, re-issued 3,300 cabin crew licences and re-registered 133 aircraft from the UK to Austria.
It has also created a second spare parts ‘hub’ in the EU to limit exposure to any logistical supply chain risks.
"We have also been focused on ensuring that the right to fly remains between the EU and the UK, so that both our UK and Austrian operating airlines are able to operate between the UK and the EU," he said.
"We remain confident that this will be the case in a ‘no deal’ Brexit situation, following the draft proposals from the European Commission, and given the UK’s stated intention not to put in place any restriction on flights to the UK from the EU."
He said the airline also has plans in place if there is any issue with EU ownership and control requirements.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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