Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Aviation Affairs Sarah Wescot-Williams, extends congratulations to all those working directly and indirectly in the aviation field with respect to the annual celebration of International Civil Aviation Day, celebrated on December 7 which marks the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on that day in 1944.
The theme for this year was, "Tomorrow’s Aviation – A World of Opportunity for Skilled Aviation Personnel."
The purpose of the annual celebration is to establish and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation in the social and economic development of States. The role of ICAO in promoting safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport is emphasized in this context.
Today, some 32 million jobs are linked to civil aviation. Employment in airlines, airports, air navigation services and aerospace industries (5.5 million jobs), plus indirect and induced multiplier effects, account for about 15 million jobs. Some 17 million additional jobs are supported in a wide range of industries related to trade and tourism such as hotels, restaurants and many more.
"I would like to congratulate all those working directly and indirectly in the civil aviation field on this special day, for all your hard work and dedication to the aviation field.
"This includes pilots, airline stewards, control tower staff, airport fire fighters, airlines, other service providers, airport security, taxi driver’s, airport management and staff and all those not mentioned.
"Our island nation is dependent on civil aviation as our land-based tourism sector is dependent on the travelers who fly in to the island on a daily basis. We therefore must be able to continue to provide the best of services and infrastructure that we can provide as a nation.
"According to international trends in aviation, in the next few years in the global aviation market there will be a number of retirements from the current workforce, new aircrafts will be added as well as new technology which will require pilots, air traffic controllers and many other professionals.
"Persons must be capable of effectively meeting the demands of a rapidly changing working environment. Despite the global economic challenges, prospects for the long-term in relation to growth of the industry are positive and strong.
"Our own aviation sector has also come a long way being the second busiest in the Northeastern Caribbean. Just this past week our airport celebrated its 65th anniversary. This achievement is due to the hard work of employees and stakeholders at the airport during the past six and a half decades and who continue today to make our national airport a safe, efficient and sustainable air transport system. On the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day, I commend you for a job well done," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).