UK: Aviation regulator steps up planning for disorderly Brexit

Britain’s aviation regulator has stepped up planning for a “no deal” disorderly Brexit, identifying how many new staff would be needed and preparing safety systems to take on work now carried out by European authorities. The Civil Aviation Authority had said in January it was purposely not planning for a scenario where it was excluded from Europe’s safety body, “as it would be misleading to suggest that’s a viable option”. PM Theresa May said Friday the government would step up preparations for the possibility of Britain leaving the EU without reaching a deal with Brussels. With only nine months left until Brexit, some authorities and companies are following suit. On Tuesday the CAA published information on its plans to fulfil functions now delivered by the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, should that become necessary. The CAA has consistently stated the most positive outcome is that Britain stays in EASA, and the government has said it wants to explore the terms on which that could happen.<br/>