French aerospace companies that have long - term investments in the UK , France 's second - largest trading partner , are increasingly concerned about uncertainty surrounding Brexit . Eric Trappier , president of the French aerospace industry body Gifas , said questions surrounding equipment certification , the status of French staff in the UK and customs clearance had yet to be answered . Gifas called for increased transparency and for the transition to be " as smooth as possible " to avoid supply - chain disruption .
French defence firms that have long-term investments in the UK, France's second-largest trading partner, are increasingly concerned about uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Eric Trappier, chairman of the French aerospace industry body Gifas, said questions surrounding equipment certification, the status of French staff in the UK and customs clearance had yet to be answered. Gifas called for increased clarity and for the transition to be "as smooth as possible" to avoid supply-chain disruption.