Keith Butler tells delegates at the European Regions Airlines Association general assembly in Belfast that having two separate AOCs for the carrier’s Dublin and Belfast bases brings challenges.
Emerald Airlines sees “significant” ongoing operational challenges arising from the UK’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), its chief executive told attendees at the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) general assembly in Belfast, as first reported by FlightGlobal sister publication Luchtvaartnieuws.
Keith Butler points to issues related to the deployment of aircraft and personnel, which he says have been complicated by the fact that the regional carrier now has to have two separate air operator’s certificates for Dublin (which is in the EU) and Belfast (which is not).
“This brings major challenges for a small [carrier] like ours,” says Butler. For instance, an aircraft registered in the UK must be deployed with staff who comply with British regulations, meaning pilots and technicians cannot simply be exchanged between the bases in Dublin and Belfast, he notes.
As a result, Emerald cannot easily move equipment and personnel from one base to another when an operational problem arises. Finding qualified personnel in Northern Ireland also poses a challenge, he adds, as there are fewer opportunities to train staff locally there since Brexit.
Butler says he would like to see the certification of pilots and technicians from the UK and Ireland better aligned going forward.
Emerald began operating regional flights for Aer Lingus in 2022 and has grown every year since, says Butler. It now operates 20 ATR 72-600 aircraft – 13 of which are based in Dublin and seven in Belfast.
The post Brexit still creating headaches for Emerald Airlines: chief executive first appeared on FlightGlobal.