Economic benefits
Aviation is a key driver of global economic development. A third of all trade by value is sent by air, which makes aviation a key component of business worldwide.
Supporting employment
The aviation industry supports 86.5 million jobs around the world. Some of these roles are within the industry itself, at airports, for airlines, and in civil aerospace and air navigation services, while other jobs are supported by the economic activity that air travel creates.
Adding value to the economy
The aviation industry supports $4.1 trillion (3.9%) of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). If aviation were a country, it would rank 20th in size by GDP. That is similar to the GDP of Saudi Arabia and equivalent to 1% of global GDP for 2023.
Enabling trade
Air transport facilitates international trade, particularly for valuables and perishable goods. Around a third of world trade by value travels by air.
Economic outlook
The aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2043, global air transport is forecast to support 135.4 million jobs and contribute $8.5 trillion to the global economy.
When the system stops
2020 marked the year of the greatest disruption in the history of civil air travel. The Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on aviation and its related economic benefits.