Air transport supports 28.8 million jobs, $626 billion of Asia-Pacific GDP
Benefits of connectivity must be protected with appropriate support from governments if the air transport sector is to help fulfill its potential as a connector of people, trade and tourism and is 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). Across Asia-Pacific, specifically, air transport supports 28.8 million jobs and contributes $626 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. Asia-Pacific boasts the highest share of global traffic at 33% and aviation in the region is forecast to grow strongly at 5.1% per annum for the next 20 years. With the liberalisation of the air transport market in the ASEAN region being agreed in ...