Introduction

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” For centuries, mankind has been dreaming of
flying. It happened on 17 December 1903 when the first fully practical airplane was successfully
invented by the Wright Brothers. Followed by the commercial airplanes which began its first
operation in 1914 and subsequently continued to evolve the global air transport network within
one century. Aviation industry today is an indispensable means of transport in today’s ​globalized
world. It is capable of bringing people, languages, ideas and values. ​(Meijer, 2020) ​(Meijer G.
2020)

How does aviation serve the world, its economy, and its social?
Aviation industry today offers a tremendous contribution in the worldwide transportation
network which is vital in supporting global economic prosperity. It has given crucial influences
in fostering economic growth ​(ABBB, 2018, ATAG),​ access to market and enabling international
trade ​(Oxford Economics)

According to recent estimates by the cross-industry Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), the
total economic impact (direct, indirect, induced and tourism-connected); ​(ABBB, 2018, ATAG)
● 65.5 millions jobs supported in aviation globally. It provided 10.2 million direct jobs.
Airlines, air navigation service providers and airports directly employed around three and
a half million people. The civil aerospace sector (the manufacture of aircraft, systems and
engines) employed 1.2 million people. A further 5.6 million people worked in other
on-airport positions. 55.3 million indirect, induced and tourism-related jobs were
supported by aviation.
● Global contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached USD$2.7 billion (3.6% of
world economic activity)

(Oxford Economics)
Beyond the multiple economic benefits, air transport has radically changed how economies and
societies operate and interact. The continued growth of the industry:
● Makes global travel more accessible to more people than at any time in history.
● Diffuses the knowledge gained from investment in research and development, and
multiplies the effects of innovation across economies.
● Helps maintain social networks for the increasing numbers of migrants in modern,
globalised economies. In turn these migrants often help their home economy by sending
money back to their families. In some countries, these foreign currency remittances can
account for over 30% of GDP.
● Fosters the protection of fragile ecosystems by increasing awareness of preservation
initiatives and boosting sustainable ecotourism.
 ● Amplifies the benefits of cross-cultural exchange, bringing visitors to countries with
native cultures.

What is the projected growth of air traffic, and where is congestion impacting efficiency?

What new airport and air navigation infrastructure is needed to meet growing demand for air
travel?

How do maintain and improve safety and security while facilitating movement?

How does efficiency contribute to enhancing safety and minimizing the effect of aviation on the
environment?

What is sustainable transportation?

References

Meijer, G. (2020). Sustainability of aviation. In G. Meijer (Ed.), ​Fundamentals of Aviation

Operations​ (1st ed., pp. 49–53). Routledge.