IATA: Air transport key for European business leaders
Being able to connect to a global network gives a competitive advantage
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published the results of its survey of 500 European business leaders. They were asked about the importance of air transport for their businesses and success.
The results reveal that 89 per cent of respondents believe that being close to an airport with global connections gives them a competitive advantage; 84 per cent could not imagine doing business without access to air transport networks; and 82 per cent thought their business could not survive without connectivity to global supply chains via air transport.
In terms of how these businesses operate now, the survey revealed that 61 per cent rely on aviation for global connectivity – either exclusively (35 per cent) or in combination with intra-Europe travel (26 per cent). The remaining 39 per cent primarily use intra-European networks. Therefore, 55 per cent reported that their offices are deliberately located within an hour to a major hub airport.
Willie Walsh, IATA Director General, said: “The message from these business leaders is clear and unequivocal: air transport is critical to their business success. As European governments plot the way forward amid today’s economic and geopolitical challenges, businesses will be relying on policies that support effective links both within the Continent and to Europe’s global trading partners.”
However, employees are less willing to fly for work, due to environmental and Covid-19 concerns.