Maximize aviation’s economic benefits

In his state of the industry address at the 68th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit in Beijing, IATA director general and CEO, Tony Tyler called on governments around the world to be stronger partners in maximizing aviation’s economic and social benefits. Tyler told his AGM audience: “Our industry’s license to grow is earned through working with governments to constantly make flying even safer, more secure, and more sustainable. Now we need an agenda to achieve tax regimes that do not kill growth, regulation that facilitates growth, and infrastructure that can efficiently accommodate growth. Doing so will enable the substantial economic benefits — jobs and growth — that global connectivity provides.” Tyler went on to say that: “Aviation’s benefits are not guaranteed. Aviation is expected to grow about 5% annually to 2030. If that growth is held back by even one percentage point, the global economy will forfeit over a trillion dollars and 14 million jobs. Modern economies cannot prosper and create jobs if they are not connected to global opportunities through aviation. Governments need to unleash the power of aviation to drive jobs and growth. And airlines need to be successful businesses — keeping revenues ahead of costs and generating returns for their shareholders — to deliver economic benefits.” For more, go to http://www.iata.org .