Barclays and EasyJet plan for life after UK quits EU

TWo British FTSE giants have announced plans to establish bases on the Continent to ensure business continues unhindered after Brexit. EasyJet has applied for an air operator certificate (AoC) in Austria that will allow it to continue flying in the European union after Britain leaves. Barclays, meanwhile, confirmed plans to expand its Dublin operations as part of its contingency plans.

It is understood that the lender’s current Dublin office could be bolstered by up to 150 staff, potentially doubling the size of its presence in the city.

The bank confirmed yesterday it plans to use Barclays Bank Ireland as its Eu hub to mitigate any potential disruption to business after Brexit.

EasyJet, which has airlines based in the uK and Switzerland, will establish a third, EasyJet Europe, based in the Austrian capital, Vienna.

It said it chose Austria because of its ‘rigorous approach to safety’ and ability to take on a large number of aircraft.

A spokesman added: ‘We think it is important the aviation market remains as open and competitive as possible [after Brexit].’

A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May told a Westminster briefing yesterday the matter is a ‘commercial decision’ for the no-frills airline.

She said: ‘In any deal that we want to strike with the European union, we want to make sure that it’s a good deal for everyone, including businesses that operate here.’