ATAG: Air transport supports nearly 63m jobs, USD2.7 trillion in global GDP

Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) launched (19-Jul-2016) its 'Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders' report, outlining the aviation industry's economic contribution, supporting 62.7 million jobs and generating USD2.7 trillion in GDP. Other highlights of the report include:

• 54% of all international tourists travel by air;
• Aviation handled 35% of international trade by value.

The report forecasts that aviation-supported jobs worldwide will increase to over 99 million and GDP to USD5.9 trillion by 2035. The highest forecast growth will be in regions with fast-developing aviation sectors, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. According to ATAG, this will depend on governments supporting sustainable aviation growth, particularly with efficiency measures such as airspace modernisation, infrastructure development and capacity improvements and the continued liberalisation of the sector. [more - original PR]