Amid concerns surrounding Brexit, Ryanair has announced that it has joined British trade body Airlines UK.
The company is set carry an expected 44 million plus customers to and from the UK this year, and has signed with AUK as an “international airline member”; a new tier of membership that allows non-UK carriers to join the association.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, stated:" "We remain concerned at the uncertainty which surrounds the terms of the UK’s departure from the EU in March 2019, and we understand how critical it is that all airlines come together as an industry to lobby for an effective solution for air travel that allows UK-EU flights to operate after April 2019. We look forward to working closely with Airlines UK on Brexit and the many other common issues we face including ATC delays, APD and airport charges."
Responding to O'Leary's statement, Airlines UK Chief Executive Tim Alderslade said: "With so much happening on the policy and regulatory front currently, we’re delighted to be able to work more closely with [Ryanair] on issues of mutual interest, including the impact of Brexit on the aviation market access across Europe, campaigning against the damaging and counterproductive air passenger duty, and engaging with industry and government to resolve the growing problem of disruptive behaviour caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. Their membership will further strengthen our ability to advocate on behalf of a sector that is such a vital UK and European success story and we look forward to working with them."
