Global Air Transport Supports US$2.7 Trillion In Economic Activity

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- The global air transport sector supports 65.5 million jobs and US$2.7 trillion (US$1 = RM 4.14) in global economic activity according the “Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders” report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). Executive Director Michael Gill said advances in air transport changed the way people and businesses connected with each other and more people in more parts of the world were 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,” he said in a statement Tuesday. Gill said the wider supply chain, flow-on impacts and jobs in tourism made possible by air transport showed that at least 65.5 million jobs and 3.6 per cent of global economic activity were supported by the aviation industry. The ATAG report also looks at two future scenarios for growth in air traffic and related jobs and economic benefits. With an open and free-trade approach, the report concluded that growth in air transport would support some 97.8 million jobs and US$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 US$1.2 trillion less in economic activity would be supported by air transport,” it said. Gill said by working with one another, learning from other cultures and trading openly, a stronger economic outlook would be created and conditions for peaceful interactions globally would be sustained. “Aviation is the key driver for this positive connectivity,” he added. ATAG is a coalition of aviation industry experts focusing on sustainable development issues. -- BERNAMA