Did you know?
Whilst not everyone today is able to use air transport services, since 1970, the real cost of air travel has been reduced by over 60%, making connectivity available to more people.
Relevance to aviation
The connectivity provided by air transport reduces inequality between countries, as well as individuals, through creating trade links and providing access to goods and services for those in remote communities. The democratisation of air travel has also meant that air services are available to more people than ever. Aviation-supported tourism can also have a vital role to play and is notable for the opportunities it can offer for economic activity at a local level, including high proportions of women and youth participation .
Examples of action
- ATNS, the South African air navigation service provider, runs a bursary programme for trainee air traffic controllers, addressing inequalities in education.
- Airways New Zealand runs the First Foundation scholarship, which funds young people with limited financial resources to attend university for four years. It is open to students intending to study a career in engineering from disadvantaged areas.
- Brisbane Airport has published a guide for people with dementia using their facilities. This guide, developed with researchers, helps make the journey through the airport less intimidating and Cork Airport has developed a guide for people with autism to help them and their families prepare for the airport experience.
- ICAO launched the ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative to assist States that continue to face challenges developing aviation policies, plans and programmes.
- Sydney Airport has set up a Diversity Council, to ensure that the workforce is made up of people of different backgrounds who bring a range of skills, style, attributes and experiences.
- Aviation is a vital connector in the Maldives islands, not only to other countries, but between domestic islands. This connectivity fosters employment and economic growth.
Learn more in the Flying in Formation report