Boeing B787 Dreamliner Interior

The airline industry is not just about transferring people from one side of the country to the other, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) head, but a key driver in the economy.

The Association’s chief executive Tony Tyler described the industry as a “catalyst for economic growth” and a sector more Governments need to support with fewer taxes and restrictions.

He explained that leadership support was particularly vital today as the industry is operating under uncertain economic conditions which have already seen the ‘disappearance’ of well-known carriers Spainair and Malev.

“Measures to boost competitiveness… are immediately needed, along with a long-term vision to support sustainable economic growth through much needed infrastructure investments.”

Mr Tyler added that as well as supporting aviation growth, leaders also need to consider environmental performance without installing new taxes to burn through airline revenue.

Commercialization of sustainable bio-fuels as well as introducing a global framework for economic measures are among the suggestions from the head.

“Such a holistic policy approach will keep communities sustainably connected to global economic opportunities,” he said.

According to IATA, up to 5.7 percent more passengers travelling via an airline during January this year over the same month last year, a figure pushed by Chinese New Year passenger demand.