Contribution of Pakistan aviation industry to global economic prosperity.

Byline: Sabiha Abid

Aviation industry is one of the most distinctive industry which is termed as "Global", connecting people, facilitating businesses and pursuing/encouraging cultural diversity. People linked with this industry are devoted employees who speak high of their departments and inform people about the economic and social benefits of this industry. All stakeholders can enjoy the maximum benefits of air transport by working together for the single cause of supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation industry by expanding its reach to more people, more routes and more number of flights.

Aviation industry has become an indispensable means of transport after experiencing weathered crisis and demonstrated long term resilience. The Pakistan Aviation Industry started with Orient Airways which was founded on 23 October 1946. Its first operations was commenced on June 4, 1947 and it stopped its operations on March 11, 1955 and merged into Pakistan International Airline Corporation to become the national flag carrier of Pakistan called Pakistan International Airline (PIA). PIA is the 16th largest Airline in Asia operating scheduled services to 73 destinations throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America, as well as an extensive domestic network linking 24 destinations. There are approximately 151 airfields in Pakistan. Aviation Industry is comprised of 13 International, 36 Domestic and 19 Military Airports whereas 2 airports have been closed one in Sahiwal and other in Islamabad.

Categories Of Bases Names Of International Bases

Primary Bases###Islamabad International Airport- Islamabad

##Jinnah International Airport- Karachi

##Allama Iqbal International Airport- Lahore

Secondary Bases###Peshawar International Airport

##Faisalabad

##Quetta

##Multan

##Sialkot

##Gwadar

##Rahimyar Khan

##Turbat

##D.G. Khan

##Skardu

Most of the airports are public, few are public/private and some are Military/Public partnership. Most of the Civil Airports are operated and looked after by the Civil Aviation Authority. Sialkot is the first Airport which is privately owned airport in Pakistan and South Asia. This airport is used for domestic and international flights. Sialkot Airport is owned and operated by Sialkot Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Military Airbases are under the command of Pakistan Airforce, only two Military Airports of Dhamial and Tarbela are managed by the Army.

Transport has an indispensable role in economic activity as reported in Economic Survey of Pakistan. Without physical access to resources and markets, economic growth and development would not be possible. An effective transport system is, therefore, a fundamental element in enabling sustainable economic development as it helps in promoting the use of natural resources, mobility of labor force and increasing agricultural and industrial production. Transport is also essential for providing access to supply chains and basic public services such as health and education. Removal of physical and non-physical barriers to effective transportation, therefore, has a direct impact on economic and social development of a country. Besides its role in economic development, modern and effective transport infrastructure and services, enabling smooth flow of goods and services within and across international borders, is key for strengthening regional economic cooperation and integration.

In Pakistan there are total 151 airports with 0.68 per 1 mio inhabitants and 0.19 per km2 whereas in Asia there are 4,349 airports with 0.94 per 1 mio inhabitants and 0.000 per km2. For the 21 biggest airports in Pakistan, Alone at Jinnah International Airport operate 20 airlines to and from 36 destinations.

There are three ways to look at the impact of Aviation Industry on Pakistan's Economy: the Employment Opportunities and Revenue generated by Airlines and their Supply Chains, Trade Flow and Investment from all Airlines users who are serving the country and the connections which make this flow possible in various geographical regions of the country.

Almost 56,000 people in Pakistan are employed by Airlines, airport operators, airport onside enterprise, restaurants and retail, aircraft manufacturers and air navigation service providers. Another 121,000 people who are buying goods and services from local suppliers get jobs through this Air Sector. People who are getting wages from Airlines spend their money on purchase of consumer goods and generate employment of 70,000 from whom...