New report shows aviation’s global impact

Civil aviation plays an indispensable role in supporting millions of jobs, keeping supply chains moving, and driving economic growth worldwide. Released today, the Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders (ABBB) report by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), in partnership with Oxford Economics, provides a comprehensive snapshot of the global aviation sector’s economic, social, and environmental impact.

Connecting

Civil aviation is unmatched in its ability to connect the world. In 2023:

• 4.4 billion passengers travelled on more than 35.3 million commercial flights, equating to over 12 million passengers daily on 96,577 scheduled flights.
• A global network of 1,138 airlines served 67,300 routes through 4,072 airports, supported by 162 air navigation service providers.
• Nearly 61.4 million tonnes of cargo were transported by air - representing $8 trillion worth of goods, or 33% of world trade by value.

Economic and social impact

Aviation is a cornerstone of global economic prosperity. By enabling trade, tourism, and connectivity, the sector improves living standards, supports livelihoods, and contributes to government revenues.

• The air transport sector directly supports 86.5 million jobs and contributes $4.1 trillion to the global economy, equivalent to 3.9% of global GDP.
• 20.4 million indirect jobs are generated through the sector’s supply chain.
• Aviation-enabled tourism creates 37.3 million jobs globally.
• By 2043, forecasts indicate aviation could support 135.4 million jobs and contribute $8.5 trillion in economic activity.

For remote and underserved regions, air transport is a vital lifeline, providing critical access to goods, services, and markets.

Civil aviation funds the vast majority of its infrastructure. Airports invested $49.2 billion in construction projects in 2022, creating jobs and building the facilities required to meet growing demand. 

Toward a sustainable future

The aviation industry is firmly committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal is underpinned by several key developments:

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): In 2023, the industry used 500,000 tonnes of SAF, doubling the amount produced in 2022, with production expected to exceed 1.5 million tonnes in 2024. SAF has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to fossil fuels. By 2050, up to 490 million tonnes of SAF will be required annually, demanding $1.5 trillion in capital investments over the next 30 years.
• Carbon Intensity Reduction: By 2030, aviation fuel is targeted to be 5% less carbon-intensive, an essential step toward long-term sustainability.
• Innovation and Research: The civil aerospace sector invests $15 billion annually in efficiency-focused research, fostering breakthroughs in technology and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

These efforts reflect the sector’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the connectivity and economic benefits aviation delivers worldwide.

At ASD, we are proud to be part of the aviation industry’s journey. Representing our aerospace members from across Europe, and as the European voice in the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), we work closely with partners and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to advance shared goals for safety, innovation, and sustainability. We welcome the Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders report is a testament to the aviation industry’s enduring impact on global connectivity and prosperity.