Recent comments in a speech by Qantas CEO, Mr. Geoff Dixon were pounced upon by the media. Of note was the reporting of,
" - it is likely that 100,000 jobs worldwide will be lost before this calender year is out." One must also understand the full context of Mr. Dixon's comments.
Mr. Dixon also stated,
"Now, I am aware that some commentators regard me as being a glass-half-empty kind of guy".
Whilst it is true that the fuel situation has caused a significant industry stressor, and many aircraft may be retired, and some airlines may disappear, I think that the future of the aerospace industry is bright.
In the last 100 years, the industry has grown and evolved. Many aviation businesses have come and gone, merged or been taken over, and some have been left behind by the growth of technology. This is the evolutionary nature of any industry, and the aviation industry in particular, because it relies heavily upon technology. The fact remains that this industry is stronger than it ever has been; depressions, recessions, bulls and bears have not capped the growth. People want to travel - it almost seems like a primative urge which needs to be satisfied. People also want to get things quickly - modern mankind!
Some readjustment of the industry appears to be underway however.
Some smaller or older less efficeint airliners may be retired, and new aircraft must be manufactured to replace them. Other new technology has to be developed to satisfy the industry, regulators, and society's expectations for lower costs, greater safety, lower emissions etc.
Click here to read my blog about aviation emissions.
Space tourism is another area which is already providing jobs and has significant further potential.
Click here to read my blog about space tourism.
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) developement is booming, and when reliable sense and avoid technology becomes available and accepted by regulators, the UAV manufacturers will find more civil applications.
Click here to read my blog about UAVs.
Last but not least, there is much activity to develop, certify and produce synthetic aviation fuel - this is occurring and airliners will be fueled by blended fuels in the near to medium future.
Click here to read my blog about synthetic aviation fuels.
These are but a few examples of growth areas in the aviation industry which will provide jobs. As is the case with any evolutionary process, some jobs will change, some will go, but will be replaced by more new and previously not thought of jobs in the future. So whilst, some airline jobs may go, other industry opportunities will replace them. Everything considered, I think the future is bright for the aviation industry - the glass is really half full!
I for one, will talk the prospects for the aviation industry up!
