Several aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer, estimate the future demand for air transport in the form of revenue passenger kilometers. The most recent estimates suggest that demand for air transport will increase by an average of 4.3% per annum over the next 20 years. That implies that demand for air travel will increase by a factor of 2.3 over the period.

If this growth path is achieved, then in 2036 the air transport industry will contribute:

  • 15.5 million direct jobs and $1.5 trillion of GDP to the world economy.
  • Including indirect and induced contributions, 46.4 million jobs and $3.8 trillion in GDP.
  • Once the impacts of global tourism are taken into account, a total of 97.8 million jobs and $5.7 trillion in GDP.

10.2 million direct jobs

Around 10.2 million people work directly in the industry itself. These jobs are in the following areas:

Airport operators

525,000 (work for the airport operator).

Other on-airport

5.6 million (retail, car rental, government agencies such as customs and immigration, freight forwarders and some catering).


2.7 million (flight and cabin crews, executives, ground services, check-in, training, maintenance staff).

Civil aerospace

1.2 million (engineers and designers of civil aircraft, engines and components).

Air navigation service providers

233,000 (air traffic controllers, executives).
According to research by Oxford Economics, these jobs are, on average, around 4.4 times more productive than average jobs around the world.

10.8 million indirect jobs

These jobs include those in suppliers to the air transport industry. For example, aviation fuel suppliers; construction companies that build airport facilities; suppliers of sub-components used in aircraft; manufacturers of goods sold in airport retail outlets; and a wide variety of activities in the business services sector (such as call centers, information technology and accountancy). Over 10.8 million indirect jobs globally are supported through the purchase of goods and services by companies in the air transport industry.

7.8 million induced jobs

The spending of those directly or indirectly employed in the air transport sector supports jobs in industries such as retail outlets, companies producing consumer goods and a range of service industries (such as banks and restaurants). Worldwide, 7.8 million induced jobs globally are supported through employees in the air transport industry (whether direct or indirect) using their income to purchase goods and services for their own consumption.

36.7 million jobs in tourism

Tourism is fast becoming the world’s largest industry and air transport plays a very important role in supporting this sector. Conservative analysis suggests that aviation supports 36.7 million jobs within the tourism industry.

What Is Next ?

The aviation and aerospace sectors will be grow steadily and certainly in the coming years. New technology will be dominating the industry. So, there will be a new demand for aviation job training to fill jobs in all sectors of the aviation industry.

Technology will enable the streamlining of airport processes. So, it will increase in automation. Passengers with have more choices and more leisure time. And, it’s the time to think of to catch that trend. That is, future career in aviation industry.

Future Prospects

Newer airlines are considered less maintenance than older models, which can restrict job opportunities for specific types of aviation mechanics and avionics professionals.

The emergence of new technologies in this industry, like special aircraft carriers such as military aircraft, agricultural aircraft, or special brand aircraft, are the demand for aerodynamics and technicians. Recent technological developments require special maintenance services run by advanced GPS systems, aerial imaging device, airy applicant and helicopter technology, trained and skilled technicians. Those employed by government organizations and plants in private space or air production, can enjoy high salary coverage across their career.

By 2022, the airline’s pilots’ demand is expected to remain stable and those who have more experience and flight hours can enjoy job advancement and more benefits during their career hours. A developed American economy, international carriers and the lack of a pilot affect a high demand for trained pilots.