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In an online video, chief executive Tom Enders warned that the aerospace sector “stands at the precipice” amid uncertainty following MPs' refusal of Theresa May’s Brexit deal and the risk of leaving the EU without a deal.
The European giant is the largest commercial aerospace company in the UK, the biggest civil aerospace exporter and the largest space group. It spends more than £5bn annually with UK suppliers and its supply chain in the country includes more than 4,000 companies.
Despite the company’s deeply entrenched position in the UK, Enders called the belief that it will always stay in the country “Brexiteers’ madness”.
“Aerospace is a long-term business and we could be forced to redirect future investments in the event of a no-deal Brexit. And, make no mistake, there are plenty of countries out there who would love to build the wings for Airbus aircraft.
“In a global economy the UK no longer has the capability to go it alone. Major aerospace projects are multinational affairs.
“It is a disgrace that, more than two years after the result of the 2016 referendum, businesses are still unable to plan properly for the future. We, along with many of our peers, have repeatedly called for clarity, but we still have no idea what is really going on here.”
He added: “Airbus will survive and thrive whatever the outcome. The question is, does the UK wish to be a part of that future success? If you are really sure that Brexit is the best for Britain, come together and deliver a pragmatic withdrawal agreement that allows for an orderly Brexit.”
A recent IMechE report, UK Aerospace: The Impact of Brexit, warned of the risks to the sector, which employs more than 120,000 people, if the current “strategic relationship” – including free trade and movement of skilled workers – is lost post-Brexit.
“If the UK leaves the EU without an appropriate deal in place, then aerospace companies will face supply-chain disruption and higher manufacturing costs if imports from the EU are subject to tariffs and restrictions,” said the IMechE announcement about the report.
“If restrictions are placed on the movement of people and goods, these will create logistical problems for many companies due to a lack of readiness, as well as the cost and delay resulting from additional customs and immigration checks.”
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.