Airbus says it supports a statement from the aviation industry trade body calling for the UK to remain in the European aviation safety regulator
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said this weekend that the UK will leave the European Aviation Safety Agency after the Brexit transition period.
He said UK membership of the agency - responsible for certifying the airworthiness of planes - would end on December 31.
He said the UK's Civil Aviation Authority would "bring expertise home".
But ADS - which represents and supports over 1000 UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors - said remaining in EASA is the "best option" for the £36bn aerospace sector.
Airbus - which employs thousands of workers at Broughton, North Wales, and Filton, near Bristol, is allowing ADS to take the lead on the issue but said it fully supported a statement released by the trade body.
In the statement, ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “We have been clear that continued participation in EASA is the best option to maintain the competitiveness of our £36bn aerospace industry and our access to global export markets.
“UK influence in EASA contributes to raising standards in global aviation, supports collaboration with our international partners, and helps make our industry attractive to the investment it needs to be home to the development of a new generation of advanced aircraft technology.
“Government had promised it would consider harmonisation where it is in the UK interest and will be led by the evidence on the future of aviation safety regulation.
"We are disappointed that it has not taken a more ambitious approach. It is essential that it works with us to deliver a regime that does not put jobs at risk in an industry that employs 111,000 people in highly skilled roles across the UK.”
Airbus has previously said: "We continue to look for further clarity, and the removal of uncertainty, particularly around regulatory alignment, so that Airbus can properly plan for the future.
"The shape of the future EU/UK relationship remains of critical importance for Airbus and its employees."
