The aviation industry has long been an important contributor to the global economy, providing millions of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue each year. By 2036, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expects the air transport industry to contribute 15.5 million direct jobs and $1.5 trillion in GDP to the global economy.
While the industry has seen its share of ups and downs over the years, it has always managed to recover and continue to grow. One trend that is taking shape in the aviation industry is the rise of skilled jobs.
Upward trends over the past 15 years
Skilled jobs in the aviation industry refer to jobs that require specialized knowledge, training, and experience. These jobs include aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight engineers. In the past fifteen years, there has been a high demand for these skilled professionals, which is only expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Based on data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, an analysis by electrical training provider Electrician Courses 4U found that skilled jobs in the aviation industry saw the largest rise in workers among all occupations.
In 2006, 24,000 people were employed in skilled jobs – such as aircraft maintenance and related sectors – across the UK aviation industry. By 2024, that number had increased by 267.92%, swelled to 88,300. This means that skilled labor has grown by an average of more than 4,285 workers annually over the past 15 years. This growth rate is more than twice that of the next fastest growing skilled labor sector, the railroad builders, rolling stock and repairmen.
Contributing factors
One of the main reasons for the rise in skilled jobs in the aviation industry is the growth of the industry itself. As air travel becomes more accessible and affordable, more people are taking to the skies. The International Civil Aviation Organization predicts that demand for air transport will rise at an average of 4.3% annually over the next 20 years.
Photo: Airbus
This increase in demand has led to an increase in the number of aircraft being built and flown – Airbus expects 39,490 new passenger and freighter aircraft to be delivered by 2041. In turn, more jobs will be created for professionals skilled in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of these aircraft.
Another factor contributing to the rise of skilled jobs is the advancement of technology in the aviation industry. As aircraft become more sophisticated and complex, the need for qualified professionals who can understand and work with this technology increases.
In conclusion, the rise of skilled jobs in the aviation industry is a positive trend that is expected to continue in the coming years. As the industry continues to grow and develop, so will the need for skilled professionals who can design, build, maintain and operate aircraft. For those looking for a challenging and rewarding career, the aviation industry offers a wide range of opportunities for skilled professionals to make their mark.
sources: International Civil Aviation OrganizationAnd Electrician courses 4 st