Air transport industry is considered as a huge international industry mainly because of the demand for air transport of both passengers and goods, due to which new airports are being built all over the world.

Globally, the Air transport sector has contributed a large amount to the economy. Air transport also plays a major role in shipping of high value goods that need to come to market quickly for example, agricultural products.

Over the last 10 years, the airliner capacity has grown significantly. Recently, Airbus 380 was introduced which has a seating capacity of 525 passengers and a maximum load of 338 tons as compared to Douglas DC-3 which was capable of carrying only 32 passengers and a maximum load of 4.6 tons.

India is ranked as the 9^th largest aviation market in the world, as per the research report given by RNCOS. And between 2010 and 2013, the civil aviation market in India is expected to reach a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of more than 16 percent.

At present, aviation sector in India handles around 2.5 billion passengers annually across the world and the sector has the capacity to carry 45 million tonnes (MT) of cargo via 920 airlines, using 4,200 airports and deploying 27,000 aircraft. 

In the next 10 years, India is expected to be one of the top five nations in the aviation industry throughout the world, mainly driven by an important civil aviation sector which plays a vital role in generating income and employment through global commerce and tourism, as per the data given by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).  

Air Transport Industry Current Trends

By 2015, the air travel will change significantly mainly because of the increased innovation in information technology (IT), due to which in the future flying would become more enjoyable for passengers. And by 2030, the number of global travellers expected to double, and because of which the IT will continue to lead the way for the industry.

Over the next three years, this industry will see a major change in the way passengers buy travel services and use self-service along their journey, according to SITA report. Air travel would take place in a fully mobile and social environment where airlines and airports will intelligently use huge quantities of data in order to deliver real service and operational improvements.

In 2013, the global airline profits is expected to increase to US$8.4 billion from an estimated US$6.7 billion in 2012, as per the forecast made by The International Air Transport Association (IATA).   

As per the data given by IATA, in 2012, the global demand for international flights had a growth of 6%, domestic travel had a growth of 4% mainly due to the increased emerging markets throughout the world. The international passenger traffic in Middle East was leading with 15.4 per cent growth followed by Latin America with 8.4% and Africa with 7.5%. In terms of domestic air travel China was strongest with the growth of 9.5 per cent, then Brazil with the growth rate of 8.6%. India was weakest having a growth of 2.1% compared to 2011. 

Major Industry Players

• Air Canada and West Jet Airlines are the major Air transport industry players in Canada.
• Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines are the major Air transport industry players in U.S.
• Air China, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines are the major Air transport industry players in China.