Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will today fly to Switzerland to sign an agreement that ensures air services will continue operating between the UK and Switzerland after Brexit.
According to Gov.UK, the new bilateral deal guarantees the terms of the current EU-Switzerland agreement on air services, safeguarding the route that carries 6.8 million passengers by air in 2017 as the UK and Switzerland after Brexit.
Grayling said: “The UK aviation sector is the biggest in Europe and will play an even more crucial role as we further develop as an outward looking global nation.
“These agreements will ensure Britain continues to prosper as we leave the EU and I’m confident the UK will reach a mutually beneficial deal, whilst we continue to prepare for all eventualities.”
Today, the government will launch the Aviation 2050 consultation – a long term plan for growth to ensure the industry’s success, which proposes new measures to ensure the UK’s aviation sector continues to bring significant benefits to the UK economy and citizens for the future. This will include a new passenger charter, practical requirements to reduce emissions and noise levels and more use of innovative technology.
Aviation is worth around £22 billion to the UK economy, creating jobs, boosting growth and connecting regions. As passenger and freight demand increases, the consultation proposes a partnership for sustainable growth up to 2050 and onwards.
This will ensure the UK continues to benefit from a world class choice of connections and airlines, while also tackling the environmental and community impacts of flights.
The consultation also sets out how the government plans to modernise our airspace, ensuring quicker journeys, with cleaner and more efficient operations in the future, reducing congestion, noise and emissions and helping avoid future delays.
Aviation Minister Liz Sugg said:
“Our aviation sector is world-leading and the Aviation 2050 strategy will promote success in the coming decades.
“Our ambition is to expand our international connections, boost trade and investment and strengthening domestic links to support businesses and travelling passengers.
“By working with the industry we will drive sustainable growth, ensuring the next generation will continue to benefit from the growing number of opportunities this exciting and innovative sector offers.”
