Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what reports he has received on football agents and intermediaries brokering illegal private flights to fly themselves, clients or related parties on a commercial basis; and if he will make a statement.

As the Air Accident Investigation Branch are conducting a live investigation into the Piper PA-46 Malibu crash of 21 January 2019, it would not be appropriate for the Government to share details of any reports it may or may not have received.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch’s Special Bulletin of 25 February 2019 states: “The investigation is considering the regulations applicable to the operation of this flight including airworthiness requirements; flight crew licencing; and the carriage of passengers.

The basis on which the passenger was being carried on N264DB has not yet been established.”

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) consistently monitor and investigate any reports they receive on illegal private flights they receive. The CAA does, and will investigate allegations of illegal public transport. The CAA will prosecute people where there is sufficient evidence, and where it is in the public interest to do so.