Air transport: supports 2.4 million jobs and $157.2 billion of Middle Eastern GDP
NEW YORK - Wednesday, July 20th 2016 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Aviation is vital to the modern, globalised world, supporting millions
of jobs and driving economic growth. But the benefits of connectivity
must be protected with appropriate support from governments if the air
transport sector is to help fulfil its potential as a connector of
people, trade and tourism and a driver of sustainable development. These
are the conclusions drawn in a new report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders, issued by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).
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, more broadly. Across the Middle East, specifically, air
transport supports 2.4 million jobs and contributes $157.2 billion to
the region’s GDP.
In the next 20 years,
forecasts suggest that aviation-supported jobs worldwide will increase
to over 99 million and GDP to $5.9 trillion. The Middle East has seen
impressive expansion in its aviation industry in recent years and is
forecast to be the fastest growing region in the world over the next two
decades. The region continues to consolidate its position as a global
hub, connecting the European and Asia-Pacific markets. However, issues
with capacity remain. If the Middle East is to realise its economic
potential, further investment in infrastructure, particularly air
traffic management, is needed.
ATAG executive
director, Michael Gill, says that the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development at the United Nations highlights a number of
goals that the international community should strive to achieve by 2030:
“We found that air transport in some way supports 14 of the 17
Sustainable Development Goals, from decent work and economic growth to
quality education and reduced inequalities. By continuing to grow in a
sustainable manner, aviation can strive to be a force for good for many
years to come.”
“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.”
more
Abdul
Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation
(AACO): “Arab governments have mostly considered air transport as an
integral pillar to national sustainable economic development. However,
the fast-pace growth of the sector in the region, which is projected to
continue at least in the coming ten to twenty years, requires further
focus on airspace infrastructure development, safety oversight and
security matters in order to maintain the development of civil aviation
in a safe, secure, economic and sustainable manner”.
Patti
Chau, Regional Director for Airports Council International
Asia-Pacific: “Like other members of the aviation industry, airports
share a common vision for the sustainable development of the sector.
Airports are key infrastructure, enabling transportation of passengers
and cargo and facilitating economic development. Growth in connectivity
is essential to a country’s and region’s prosperity and at ACI, we call
on governments in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to continue to
develop aviation policy that will support the growth of air transport,
whilst respecting the right balance between that growth and
sustainability.”
Hanan Qabartai, Director
Middle East Affairs for the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation
(CANSO): “Middle East is the fastest growing air traffic region but
future growth and the resulting economic benefits will only be realised
if States invest in air traffic management infrastructure and harmonise
airspace. CANSO is asking States to organise airspace according to
operational requirements rather than national borders; allow more
flexible use of military airspace; and cooperate with each other across
the region. CANSO’s goal is to achieve safe, harmonised, and seamless
airspace to secure the region’s future. It is working hard to achieve
this through joint initiatives such as the Middle East ATM Enhancement
Programme (MAEP).”
The report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders, covers the global aviation sector, with regional and some national analysis. It is available for download at www.aviationbenefits.org.
Notes:
- The full report and case studies are available from www.aviationbenefits.org
- Media may also be interested in the newswire, capturing sustainable aviation news from across the industry at www.aviationbenefits.org/newswire
- The Air Transport Action Group is a coalition of organisations and companies throughout the air transport industry that drive the sustainable development of the air transport sector. Funding members include ACI, Airbus, ATR, Boeing, Bombardier, CANSO, CFM, Embraer, Honeywell Aerospace, GE, IATA, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Safran. www.atag.org
AIR TRANSPORT ACTION GROUP | Geneva, Switzerland | +41 22 770 2672 | www.atag.org
ATAG
is a coalition of organisations and companies throughout the air
transport industry that drive the sustainable development of the air
transport sector. Funding members include ACI, Airbus, ATR, Boeing,
Bombardier, CANSO, CFM, Embraer, Honeywell Aerospace, GE, IATA, Pratt
& Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Safran.
Contacts
Air Transport Action Group
Haldane Dodd
@enviroaero / @ATAG_Aviation
Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/18363/en
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