What are the consequences for the aviation industry?
On 23 June 2016, the people of the United Kingdom (UK) made history by becoming the first Member State to vote to leave the membership of the European Union (EU).
Fast forward three and a half years and, at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the EU (popularly known as ‘Brexit’). An 11-month transition period then commenced, which will come to an end at 23:00 GMT on 31 December 2020.
During its 47 years of membership of the EU, the UK was a key player in establishing the existing complex framework of EU aviation law and regulation. Following its departure from the EU, the challenge for the UK was to create a new legal and regulatory structure for the UK’s aviation industry. In this note, the Stephenson Harwood aviation litigation and regulation team examine this new UK framework, which will come into effect on 1 January 2021, and consider its practical impact upon the global aviation community. Matters affecting English law contracts, such as applicable law, jurisdiction, and enforcing English law judgments, are also discussed.
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