UAE civil aviation industry highlighted at IATA AGM
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UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) highlighted the ‘Value of Aviation’ at IATA’s 68th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Beijing. Captain Aysha Al Hamili underscored that for the UAE, aviation is not only a tool but rather a ‘Strategic Policy Imperative’. Aviation links us to the world. Connectivity is vital for a young country that was only established in 1972. Within the various structure of the UAE government, every policy must recognize and view the sector as a catalytic element of the economic supply chain. Aviation is not an ‘end’ on itself. It is a vehicle through which to achieve economic and social development. Capt Al Hamili indicated that the aviation sector contributes 6.2% to UAE GDP.
In addition, Capt. Al Hamili said that aviation and tourism are key components of diversification strategy that the UAE has embraced in the last years. The UAE has realized that is imperative to diversify the country’s revenues from traditionally oil-generated industries. Arguably, tourism and aviation have re-shaped the UAE – Capt. Al Hamili added.
Capt. Al Hamili also pointed out that the task of promoting awareness of the value of aviation should be seen as a ‘joint-partnership’ industry/government. Industry cannot do it alone, nor can governments. Industry needs to highlight the contribution of the sector to the economy. Industry needs to do a much better job at explaining the consequences of a given policy. Yet ‘industry’ should not only echo the voices of those airlines from certain corners of the world. It should be a much more ‘inclusive’ process, in order to take into account the views of emerging markets.