UK airlines have come out in favour of prime minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal despite deep uncertainty over whether it will win political approval.
May’s withdrawal deal has been endorsed by EU leaders but must also be backed by Parliament if it is to come into force.
MPs will decide whether to reject or accept it next Tuesday (December 11).
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, the industry association that represents 13 UK carriers, said: “For UK aviation a withdrawal agreement is clearly in the interests of both the UK and Europe and so this agreement represents a path which can provide certainty and confidence for airlines, passengers and businesses alike.
“Any future comprehensive air transport agreement – which the government and EU Commission have signalled their intention to sign post-Brexit – should then aim to deliver the market access between the UK and EU that passengers and cargo benefit from today.”
He added: “We’re clear that if there was a no-deal the flights between the EU and UK would continue.”