In order to prepare you as best we can for the year ahead we’re taking a look at some of the emerging trends we believe will be big this year in aviation and the impact they will have on hiring.

Last year was a somewhat turbulent year for the aviation industry, and as you would expect, there were both positive and negative trends evident for those in the sector.

At the end of December 2011, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that global traffic results for both passenger and cargo markets were softening.

Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said of the 2011 figures: “Weak global economic performance is being reflected in air transport markets. Freight markets have contracted some 4% compared to January. Although passenger markets have had some growth relative to the beginning of the year – about 2% – the trend has been both soft and volatile. Continuing economic uncertainty will likely mean market shortcomings deepening as we enter 2012.”

However, it wasn’t all bad news at the end of 2011. The world’s principal provider of data, analytics and advisory services to investors in aerospace, Ascend, announced that 2011 was the safest year on record, with fatal accidents and passenger fatality rates at their lowest.

There was a marked regional difference to passenger numbers across the globe. While carriers in North America saw a decline in traffic, the aviation industry in the Middle East and Latin America experienced increases of 10.1% and 9.0% respectively, according to the December 2011 IATA figures.

The success of Middle Eastern and Latin American aviation is a trend that is likely to continue into 2012, thanks to robust trade activity (Latin America), and gains in market share on long-haul markets through price competitive products (Middle East).

Despite the aviation industry suffering because of economic uncertainty, IATA believe that the aviation industry itself can be a catalyst for growth.

Tyler said: “The story of aviation’s importance is even more compelling as governments around the world seek solutions to economic uncertainty. Economic growth is the only durable solution. Aviation can be a catalyst for that growth. But that depends on governments allowing airlines to get on with the business of providing global connectivity. The New Year’s resolution for every government with respect to aviation should be to stop over-taxation of mis-regulation of this vital economic driver.”

Reducing carbon emissions
One of the key influential factors on the aviation industry in 2012 is the environmental impact the industry has – and how to control this. The CAA states that aviation will only be able to fully realise its economic potential through tackling its environmental impact. In January 2012, the CAA set out four goals for its work, including to contribute to a cleaner and quieter aviation industry and to improve airspace design through new operational measures.

The development of lightweight, composite components is becoming increasingly important as the aerospace industry strives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and it is likely that people with skills and experience in this area will be in demand in 2012.

This is exemplified by the January 2012 opening of a new aero-engine facility on the Isle of Wight. The £14.8m facility, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace, will employ 70 skilled engineers and has been supported with £7.4m in funding from the UK government.

Business Minister Mark Prisk, who opened the facility, said: “It is ventures like this that are helping to place Britain as a world leader in the growth area of low carbon solutions, while affirming our commitment to providing the technological needs of the future.”

London 2012 Olympics
The London 2012 Olympic Games will have a profound impact on the aviation industry in 2012, particularly in the UK. Upwards of half a million international visitors are expected for the 2012 Olympic Games, the majority of which will be travelling by air.

Many will travel on scheduled flights but some 700 extra charter flights and some 10,000 business jet movements are expected during the Olympics period.

This will mean that those working in London airports and in parts of the aviation industry connected with London airspace, as well as pilots, cabin crew and security staff, will have to adjust their procedures to cope with the extra demand to ensure safety and avoid congestion and delays.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the en-route air navigation services provider (NATS), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Borders Agency (UKBA) and aviation industry stakeholders to meet the challenge posed by the London 2012 Olympics.

London Olympics Pilot Briefing Event
In particular, pilots looking for help to prepare for flying in the south east of England during the 2012 Olympics may wish to attend a free briefing day in London on Saturday 10 March 2012. The event, hosted by the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) and the CAA, will offer information how pilots will be affected by the Olympics and how to deal with the changes. For more information, visit the Airspace and Safety Initiative website.

Photo: xlibber

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