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Miami – The aviation industry should work even more closely with governments on challenges regarding global and critical issues like safety, infrastructure, security, regulation and environment, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) has advised.
According to Iata CEO Tony Tyler there are currently about 51 000 airline routes in the world. During 2015 it is expected that there will be about 3.5 million air passengers and about 55 million tonnes of air cargo will be transported.
He said airlines currently employ about 2.5 million people and support a further 56 million jobs in the industry’s value chain.
“There is no question about the aviation industry as a force for economic growth in the world,” Tyler said in his opening address to a record audience of more than 1 000 delegates, including about 200 members of the international media.
“Air connectivity is much more than a competitive advantage. It is an economic necessity. So there is a tremendous common interest with governments to support safe, efficient and sustainable global connectivity that only air transport can provide.”
US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in his keynote address at the opening of the AGM there can be no global economy without the aviation industry.
“Keep going, keep growing and keep making progress,” was his message to the delegates, who represent about 83% of the global airline industry.
He said the demand for airline travel is expected to be more than 1 billion people by 2029.
“The aviation industry must, therefore, see to it that infrastructure is upgraded and must also use technology to ensure greater sustainability. Generation Next must become Generation Now,” said Foxx.
Iata's annual general meeting takes place in Miami and is hosted by American Airlines.
• Fin24 is an Iata guest at their AGM
