With more than 1.5 billion passengers arriving and travelling within APAC, the region has seen an surge in job opportunities – with 30.2 million jobs in aviation and related sectors being supported by the industry. This is according to a report, ‘Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders’, released by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) this week.

“The reach we have today is extraordinary”

Discussing the contents of the report at its launch 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.”

Asia-Pacific has seen real benefits in embracing the role of air transport. Today, the region is the busiest in the world, with over a third of global passenger traffic from Asia-Pacific. Passengers in the region have taken advantage of the reduction in the price of tickets over the past decades which enables more people to travel, see the world and do business outside of their own country.”

“By 2036, aviation in the region is expected to support 44 million jobs and $1.7 trillion in economic activity”

Gill went on to add: “By 2036, aviation in the region is expected to support 44 million jobs and $1.7 trillion in economic activity. Key to this growth will be sustainable development of air transport as part of national growth plans, including improvements in infrastructure, support for sustainable aviation fuels and helping to encourage more young women and men to think of careers in aviation.”

Globally, the air transport sector creates 65.5 million jobs and $2.7 trillion in economic activity, including over 10 million women and men working directly for the industry itself. Aviation carries 35% of world trade by value, but less than 1% by volume and 57% of world tourists travel to their destinations by air.

“A transformative influence on social and economic development”

Andy Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines commented: “Air travel is now part of everyday modern life for billions of people worldwide. Within the Asia Pacific region, aviation has had a transformative influence on social and economic development, serving rapidly growing numbers of middle class consumers. We are committed to delivering sustainable growth, strengthening regional integration and global connectivity, to meet society’s future needs.”

Click here to download the full report.