Aviation personnel in a post-covid, post-Brexit Europe
The Impact of COVID-19 and Brexit on Aviation Personnel and Aircraft Maintenance Contracting in Europe
Introduction: The aviation industry has faced significant challenges over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit). These twin events have had a profound impact on aviation personnel and the flexibility of labor movement in the European aviation sector. This blog post explores the changes that have occurred, with a particular focus on the significant reduction in British aviation personnel, the implications of Part-66 Licences, and the complexities surrounding work permits for both UK and EU workers.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Aviation Personnel: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a massive exodus of aviation personnel from the industry as travel restrictions, lockdowns, and reduced air travel severely impacted the demand for aviation services. Many aviation workers, including British contractors who formed a substantial contingent in the industry, were forced to leave their jobs or seek alternative opportunities in other sectors due to the downturn in the aviation sector.
Brexit and Its Impact on Aviation Personnel: Brexit brought about substantial changes in the aviation industry, significantly impacting the labour movement between the UK and EU member states. Previously, British contractors played a crucial role in many Part-145s (aviation maintenance organisations) that employed temporary workers. However, after the UK's departure from the EU, this dynamic has shifted.
Part-66 Licences and Their Implications: Since 1st January 2021, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is no longer a member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This departure has raised uncertainties regarding the recognition of UK-issued Part-66 Licences within the EASA framework. While some agreements provide for continuity, they do not fully replicate the previous regulatory arrangements.
For EU-based Part-145s, using engineers with UK-issued Part-66 Licences to sign for EU-registered aircraft is no longer permissible. The engineers can only sign for G-registered aircraft, further limiting their opportunities within the EASA region. Conversely, the UK CAA has allowed engineers with EU licences to continue signing for G-registered aircraft, creating an imbalance in reciprocal arrangements between the UK and the EU.
Future Strategies for Aircraft Maintenance Contracting: In light of these changes, aircraft maintenance contracting in Europe is undergoing a transformation. Recruitment agencies like ours are adjusting their strategies to adapt to the new landscape.
Prioritising Engineers with EASA Licences: Instead of supplying engineers with UK-issued Part-66 Licences to EU-based Part-145s, agencies are now focusing on providing engineers with EASA Licences and relevant type ratings from EU member countries.
Addressing Specific Skill Shortages: Agencies are proactively engaging with customers to address skill shortages in specific aircraft types, like the Sikorsky S-92A, where there may be a limited pool of licensed engineers in the EU.
Brexit and Work Permits: Brexit also impacted the ability of UK citizens to work in the EU/EEA region. UK citizens no longer have automatic work rights, necessitating the need for work permits.
Varied Work Permit Processes: Each EU country has its own work permit process, leading to potential administrative complexities for agencies seeking to supply workers across multiple countries.
Focusing on Workers Eligible to Work: Agencies are prioritising supplying workers who are already eligible to work in the respective locations. For example, EU citizens are favoured for roles within the EU, while UK citizens are supplied for positions in the UK.
Conclusion: The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit has had a profound impact on the aviation industry in Europe, particularly on aviation personnel and aircraft maintenance contracting. While the changes pose challenges, recruitment agencies are adapting their strategies to navigate the new landscape. Despite the uncertainties, agencies remain committed to serving their EU-based customers with EU workers while closely monitoring developments and adjusting their approach as needed.