UK aviation firms ‘coping with Brexit uncertainty’

British aviation firms were given a welcome boost at an international exhibition.

A delegation from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation (APPG-GA) attended Aero 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. The group included APPG-GA chair Grant Shapps MP and Department for Transport aviation champion Byron Davis.

Mr Shapps said: "It is great to be here and take part in Europe's largest trade show for General Aviation. Being here is only reliable way to get a sense of what is going on in the industry.

"What we've heard from British businesses is that Brexit is the main topic amongst their European customers. However, of those we spoke to, from engine mechanics and fuel systems engineers to avionics companies and web apps, all had measures in place to cope with Brexit uncertainty."

Aero 2019 was attended by a record 757 exhibitors from 40 countries this year. Twenty UK businesses were present.

The event offers a showcase for a full spectrum of GA aircraft, from ultralights to business jets. Alongside traditional aircraft exhibits, a major focus this year was emerging technologies including drones, electric aircraft, and eVTOL air taxis.

Mr Shapps added: "Our experience at Aero 2019 clearly shows the British aviation industry is still very much open for business, whatever the political weather in Westminster."