Aviation Supports 24 Million Jobs In The Asia Pacific Region

Manila Bulletin
April 20, 2012
By EDU LOPEZ

Over 24 million jobs and $470 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in the Asia-Pacific region are supported by aviation, according to a new report by the Air Transport Action Group(ATAG) and Oxford Economics.

The report outlines an industry that plays a larger role in both the Asia-Pacific and global economy than many would expect.

“In the Asia-Pacific region alone aviation directly employs over two million people,” says Paul Steele, Executive Director of ATAG, the global association that represents air transport.

“If we include indirect employment at suppliers to the industry, induced employment from spending by aviation industry employees and the jobs in tourism that air transport makes possible, this increases the regional figure to 24.1 million jobs. In addition, Asia Pacific economies derive substantial benefits from the spending of tourists travelling by air.

“Aviation’s economic benefits spread far beyond the monetary aspects outlined here. When you take into account the further benefits gained through the speed and reliability of air travel, the businesses that exist because air freight makes them possible and the intrinsic value to the economy of improved connectivity, the economic impact would be several times larger,” adds Steele.

Asia-Pacific forecasts indicate that passenger numbers are expected to almost triple from 779.6 million in 2010 to over 2.2 billion in 2030.

Meanwhile, cargo volumes are projected to rise at a similar rate of 6.3% per annum. The report also outlined the role aviation plays at a global level, supporting 56.6 million jobs worldwide and $2.2 trillion of the world’s GDP.

There are some 1,500 commercial airlines using nearly 24,000 aircraft to serve 3,800 airports around the globe.

Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said: "Aviation plays a critically important role in fostering successful economic and social development, particularly here in Asia."

"This report highlights the fact that the Asia-Pacific region already accounts for 34% of passenger traffic worldwide, ahead of both Europe and North America (27% each), led by dynamic growth in the major emerging economies."

"The Oxford Economics analysis suggests further growth can provide an additional 1.4 million jobs in aviation across the region by 2030 – and if you include the tourism benefits, up to 4.6 million jobs."

“While we are now the largest region in the world for passengers, the existing and projected growth in demand for air transport services will require a renewed focus on infrastructure development,” says Patti Chau, Regional Director of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific.

“Any development needs to happen in a strategic and sustainable way that benefits the communities we serve, the economy and also ensures limited impact on our precious environment.”

Martin Craigs, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) said: "Travel and tourism are the largest employers in the world’s fastest-growing region, Asia- Pacific and air transport is the key enabler. Governments in our region recognize that and intelligently nurture air transport."