Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has had discussions with the (a) European Union Aviation Safety Agency and (b) Civil Aviation Authority on potential reciprocal arrangements for pilot licences since 1 January 2023.

Since 1 January 2023, EASA licences are invalid for operations within the UK meaning any pilots wishing to operate within the UK or on any UK registered aircraft require a UK CAA issued licence. Conversely, any UK registered pilot who wishes to work for an airline operating by or in an EU country must apply for an EASA licence, which can be obtained through applying in any EASA competent authority.

The Department continues to work closely with the EU to find ways of working together to support a diverse industry, however, the Government is not seeking to reopen the withdrawal agreement and there are no plans at current to re-join EASA.