Air transport backs 65.5M jobs and $2.7T in economic activity
geneva — The global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in global economic activity, according to new research released on Tusday by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).
The report, ‘Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders’, explores the fundamental role civil aviation plays for today’s society and addresses the economic, social and environmental impacts of this global industry.
Launching the report at the ATAG Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva, ATAG’s executive director, Michael Gill, said: “Let’s take a step back and think about how advances in air transport have changed the way people and businesses connect with each other — the reach we have today is extraordinary. More people in more parts of the world than ever before are taking advantage of safe, fast and efficient travel.”
“There are over 10 million women and men working within the industry to make sure 120,000 flights and 12 million passengers a day are guided safely through their journeys. The wider supply chain, flow-on impacts and jobs in tourism made possible by air transport show that at least 65.5 million jobs and 3.6 per cent of global economic activity are supported by our industry.”
The report also looks at two future scenarios for growth in air traffic and related jobs and economic benefits. With an open, free-trade approach, the growth in air transport will support some 97.8 million jobs and $5.7 trillion in economic activity in 2036. However, if governments create a more fragmented world with isolationism and protectionist policies, over 12 million fewer jobs and $1.2 trillion less in economic activity would be supported by air transport.
Angela Gittens, director-general of Airports Council International, said: “Airports are crucial links in the air transport value chain that drive economic and social benefits for the local, regional, and national communities they serve.”
Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation director-general Jeff Poole said: “The provision of efficient, safe and cost-effective air traffic management is a key enabler to the benefits of aviation.”
Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association, said: “Airlines empower people’s lives and turbo-charge the global economy through a worldwide network that safely carries more than four billion passengers and 62 million tonnes of freight each year.”