Aviation

AVIATION IS ONE of the most significant drivers of global warming and climate change. The rapid development of economies around the world has increased the desire to travel by air, thus creating greater levels of pollution, both in the air and on the ground. However, aviation plays an important part within the global economy and, as a result, governments, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and airports are working hard to reduce their global impact. The growth of air transportation has been frenetic due to technical advancements and economic development. The jet engine and wide-bodied jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, revolutionized the number of people who could be carried over greater distances at far lower unit cost. The result was cheaper and more frequent holiday and business trips.

The economic development of countries and higher standards of living have also allowed passengers to travel more frequently. Linked to these advances has been the desire of governments across the world to deregulate the aviation industry, thus helping to create additional competition. The introduction of new carriers, particularly low-cost airlines, such as Southwest Airlines of the United States and Ryanair of Europe, has helped increase mobility by air for groups of consumers who would have previously found it difficult to travel by air. Commercial aviation carries some 4.5 billion passengers per year. With continued growth by low-cost carriers and the traditional airlines, it is [Page 107]estimated by the Airports Council International that this figure will reach an estimated 7.4 billion by 2020. Economically, aviation is of great importance, creating both wealth and employment worldwide. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted that commercial aviation accounts for 8 percent of GDP globally. Aviation has helped drive globalization and allows greater communication between industries and friends and families. Added to this are the millions of jobs created in the aviation sector ranging from aircraft manufacturing, airline carriers, airport operators, and employment within the regulatory authorities.