Brussels, 24 June 2016:  Taking note of the results of yesterday’s UK referendum on EU membership, European airport trade body, ACI EUROPE, calls for the EU and UK aviation markets to remain fully integrated in the future – to safeguard and promote vital air connectivity for consumers as well as continued economic development.

Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE commented “The EU and the UK are faced with the challenge of establishing a new relationship. While there is for now much uncertainty as to what will be the model, structure and modus operandi for this new relationship, it will be essential that it allows for the UK and EU aviation markets to remain fully integrated and based on totally aligned – if not common - rules. The EU’s single and fully liberalised aviation market has delivered tremendous benefits for consumers and businesses across Europe – with increased air connectivity at lower fares at its core. By putting so many airports not just on the European but also the global aviation map, the single European aviation market has transformed them into engines of growth for their communities – especially in the regions. We simply cannot afford to go backwards on what is now one of the backbones of our economies.”

He added “Securing legal certainty over the continued integration of the EU and UK aviation markets must be one of the key priorities of the future EU & UK relationship. This is about avoiding any risk in terms of connectivity & business disruption. As the voice of Europe’s airports both within and beyond the EU, ACI EUROPE will pursue this agenda on behalf of its members.”

ACI EUROPE is also urging the UK and the EU to keep a common aviation security agenda – with a focus on reinforcing cooperation on intelligence & data sharing to effectively address terrorism threats.

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Robert O’Meara, Director, Media & Communications, ACI EUROPE

mobile: +32 (0)486 54 14 71 or tel: +32 (0)2 552 09 82.

Email: robert.omeara@aci-europe.org

ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International (ACI), the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents more than 500 airports in 46 European countries including the UK. In 2014, our member airports handled over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe, welcoming more than 1.8 billion passengers, 18.4 million tonnes of freight and 21.2 million aircraft movements. These airports contribute to the employment of 12.3 million people, generating €675 billion each

EVERY FLIGHT BEGINS AT THE AIRPORT.