EASYJET has applied for a new air operator’s certificate in Austria to allow it to continue flying in the European Union after Brexit.

The carrier said the accreditation process is “well advanced” and it hopes to receive the certificate (AOC) “in the near future”.

It will let the company continue to operate flights across Europe and domestically within Europe after the UK withdraws from the EU.

EasyJet, which currently has airlines based in the UK and Switzerland, will establish a third, EasyJet Europe, headquartered in Vienna.

A spokeswoman said “nothing will change” from the perspective of passengers, and all the people and planes that will fly for easyJet Europe are already employed and based in the remaining 27 EU countries.

EasyJet previously insisted it would not reveal the location of its new £10 million AOC until the application was granted, but it made the announcement after it became clear the information would emerge as it has to update its safety systems and processes as part of the approval process.

It chose Austria because of the country’s “rigorous approach to safety” and ability to take a large number of aircraft. The single market for aviation, means there are no commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU.

The change will not protect the company without agreement to enable flights between the UK and the EU to continue.

UK ministers say “liberal access” to European aviation markets is a top priority in Brexit negotiations.