Partnerships key to securing aviation’s benefits

SINGAPORE: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed partnerships among all stakeholders, including governments, to help aviation fulfil its important role as a catalyst for global economic growth and development.

“Airlines will transport 3.8 billion passengers and 53 million tonnes of air cargo this year. In doing so, they will support some US$2.4 trillion in economic activity and some 58 million jobs.

In Asia-Pacific, the corresponding numbers are over US$700 billion in GDP and 33 million jobs. By 2034, global demand will reach 7 billion passengers, but that demand can only be accommodated through a working together approach by all aviation stakeholders including governments,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Tyler made his remarks at the Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit hosted by the Singapore Government, Experia Events and IATA. He cited the collaborative event as an example of the working together approach. “It’s great that we are looking at the challenges of future growth together with all stakeholders.”

Tyler identified three examples where partnerships are vital to meeting forecast demand for connectivity.

“Safety is our highest priority and we are seeing steady progress through our partnership approach involving airlines, airports, air navigation services providers, manufacturers, governments and other stakeholders.

“If we look at jet aircraft, in 2015 we had one major accident for every 3.1 million flights. That’s a significant improvement on the five-year average (2010-2014) of one accident for every 2.2 million flights.