Chapman Freeborn’s flight support manages Brexit planning for the UK’s largest airline, easyJet
The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union presented the UK’s airline industry with many new challenges in preparing for life outside of the free trade zone.
In particular the United Kingdom’s largest airline, easyJet, who started Brexit planning well in advance of the announced exit date to ensure minimum disruption to their business and customers.
easyJet has over 330 aircraft in service, in excess of 2,000 flights per day and with bases throughout Europe. Changes in rules and regulations were obviously of major concern for them in planning for operating in the new environment.
Based within the European Union easyJet operated under the European Common area regulations, the UK’s departure will require all UK operators to obtain permits and authorities for flights.
Having evaluated the task ahead to prepare for the UK’s exit on the 29th March 2020, easyJet approached the Chapman Freeborn flight support team, to manage the project.
Chapman Freeborn produced a schedule of flights by country and route, then analysed the planned routing of each flight to ascertain the required flight permissions. Submissions were prepared and submitted to each counties aviation authorities, including where copies of supporting documentation were required.
The flight support team compiled a detailed document showing the status of each application by country. This document included a visual indicator of progress enabling all interested parties to see at a glance the status.
After months of negotiations between the European Union and the British Government the original Brexit date was delayed until 31st October 2020. This meant that all the required permits and traffic authorities had to be resubmitted to cover the planned winter operation.
Chapman Freeborn flight support and easyJet teams worked closely together in overcoming the challenges experienced during the project. It also provided valuable insight into the requirements and procedures that may become a requirement of life outside the common aviation area.
