Air transport supports nearly 63M jobs, $2.7T in global GDP: report

In New York, the Air Transport Action Group launched its Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders report at  the United Nations High Level Political Forum’s Sustainable Development Goal Business Day.

In the next 20 years, the report forecasts that aviation-supported jobs worldwide will increase to over 99 million and GDP to $5.9 trillion. The highest forecast growth will be in regions with fast-developing aviation sectors, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. However, this will depend on governments supporting sustainable aviation growth, particularly with efficiency measures such as airspace modernization, infrastructure development and capacity improvements and the continued liberalization of the sector – a factor which has delivered a substantial reduction in airfares and access to air transport in those regions that have embraced it.

Worldwide, aviation supports 62.7 million jobs and generates $2.7 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP). Not only does air transport provide significant economic benefits, but it also plays a major role in the social development of people and communities all over the globe, allowing people to travel for educational opportunities and cultural exchange. For example, 54 percent of all international tourists and 35 percent of international trade by value travels by air.

ATAG executive director Michael Gill said that “a significant factor in our work on sustainable development is the industry’s world-leading climate action plan. We need support from governments around the world to agree on a key part of that plan at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly, where we hope an agreement can be reached on a global offsetting scheme for air transport. It is a vital part of our industry’s future role in helping to support development worldwide.”

The report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders is available here.