The industry supports 65.5 million jobs and 3.6% of global economic activity
The global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and US $2.7 trillion in global economic activity, according to new research released recently 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.
“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,” remarked Michael Gill, Executive Director, ATAG.
“There are over 10million employees working within the industry to ensure 120,000 flights and 12million 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 65.5million jobs and 3.6% of global economic activity are supported by our industry,” he added.
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 is expected to support some 97.8million jobs and $5.7trillion in economic activity by 2036.
Air travel currently carries 35% of world trade by value ($6.0 trillion worth in 2017), but less than 1% by volume (62 million tonnes in 2017). 1,303 airlines fly 31,717 aircraft on 45,091 routes between 3,759 airports in airspace managed by 170 air navigation service providers. 57% of world tourists travel to their destinations by air, according to the report.
