A new study by Oxford Economics, one of Europe’s foremost global forecasting and research consultancies, has shown that business aviation is playing a vital role in connecting the UK with emerging and developing countries, many of which remain poorly served by scheduled carriers.
The
research found that 49,000 business aviation flights were
taken between Europe and developing countries in 2011, a 32
per cent increase since 2006, while business aviation flights between
Europe and developing countries in Asia have more than
doubled over the same period. 69 per cent of executives questioned in
a 2011 survey reported that they used business aviation because
it provided connections to destinations not served by scheduled
carriers.
Business aviation also
provides vital links between European
destinations, according to the report. In 2011,
businessaviation connected 88,800 city pairs, 96 per cent of
which were not served by a scheduled daily service. Further, Oxford
Economics calculated that each passenger on a
business aviation flight generates the same
GDP contributionas
nine business-class passengers on a scheduled flight.
The
study also considered the economic impact of
business aviation airports and the employment they provide.
It found that the sector invests more
in training its workers than firms in other similar sectors, or in
the economy as a whole: business aviation firms typically
invest upwards of £2,800 worth of training per year in each
employee, while firms in the UK financial sector of just £800 per
employee per year.
Andrew
Walters, Chairman of London Biggin
Hill Airport, said: “This study shows clearly how crucial
business aviationis to the UK and to our economic recovery. With
a runway capacity crisis in the southeast, and no solution to the
problem in sight, business aviation is stepping up to
provide a vital link between UK businesses and emerging
markets. And, at a time of uncertainty in the eurozone,
business aviation is helping to facilitate the
conversations which will bring back growth. At Biggin Hill we’re
investing in our workforce and expanding our offering, and we’re
proud to be a part of a strong and important industry.”