Myths & Interesting Facts in Aviation
Roving the Wonder World of Aviation:
A Cultural Change Agent and a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Dr. Wali Mughni, Ph.D
Abstract: This paper projects a bird’s eye view of Aviation at large; it also throws some light on Aviation in Pakistan and what the trends portend. Examining the holistic Aviation domain peculiarities, the analysis also reveals interesting idiosyncrasies and a few unique phenomena in the social, behavioral, cultural, environmental and financial aspects associated with aviation business at micro and macro levels. To clarify common ambiguities, the paper endeavors to highlight not so well known facts, unveils a few myths, and explains some terminologies including the difference between Aviation, Aeronautics,
Avionics and Aerospace. Finally the paper conceptually and philosophically dwells on why and how
Aviation is a positive Cultural Change Agent and a Catalyst for Economic Growth.
Interesting Statistics
Before we delve into details, let’s take a quick look at some astounding facts and figures about the aviation industry worldwide. This is to fathom the economic activity that aviation generates. o Aviation supports 60 million jobs globally, and contributes US $2.2 trillion to global GDP.*
o
Worldwide, the amount contributed to the global economy by aviation jobs is roughly three and a half times higher than that contributed by other jobs.*
o
There are about 24,000 commercial aircraft in service, serving approximately 3 billion passengers a year flying through a complex network of routes extending over 5 trillion kilometers while logging 42 million hours a year.*
o
35% of all of the world freight (by value) is carried by air transportation.*
o
The new Airbus A380, Boeing 787, and other similar modern aircraft use less than 3 liters of jet fuel per 100 passenger kilometers. This matches the efficiency of most modern compact cars.*
o
Research conducted in the US suggests that every dollar
invested
A Cultural Change Agent and a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Dr. Wali Mughni, Ph.D
Abstract: This paper projects a bird’s eye view of Aviation at large; it also throws some light on Aviation in Pakistan and what the trends portend. Examining the holistic Aviation domain peculiarities, the analysis also reveals interesting idiosyncrasies and a few unique phenomena in the social, behavioral, cultural, environmental and financial aspects associated with aviation business at micro and macro levels. To clarify common ambiguities, the paper endeavors to highlight not so well known facts, unveils a few myths, and explains some terminologies including the difference between Aviation, Aeronautics,
Avionics and Aerospace. Finally the paper conceptually and philosophically dwells on why and how
Aviation is a positive Cultural Change Agent and a Catalyst for Economic Growth.
Interesting Statistics
Before we delve into details, let’s take a quick look at some astounding facts and figures about the aviation industry worldwide. This is to fathom the economic activity that aviation generates. o Aviation supports 60 million jobs globally, and contributes US $2.2 trillion to global GDP.*
o
Worldwide, the amount contributed to the global economy by aviation jobs is roughly three and a half times higher than that contributed by other jobs.*
o
There are about 24,000 commercial aircraft in service, serving approximately 3 billion passengers a year flying through a complex network of routes extending over 5 trillion kilometers while logging 42 million hours a year.*
o
35% of all of the world freight (by value) is carried by air transportation.*
o
The new Airbus A380, Boeing 787, and other similar modern aircraft use less than 3 liters of jet fuel per 100 passenger kilometers. This matches the efficiency of most modern compact cars.*
o
Research conducted in the US suggests that every dollar
invested
References: Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Beverly Hills: Sage. Maurino, D. (1998) Safety prejudices, safety practices, and CRM: A mid-point perspective. International Journal of Aviation Psychology. Sherman, P.J., Helmreich, R.L., & Merritt, A.C. (1997). National culture and flightdeck automation: Results of a multination survey Wiener, E. (1993). Crew coordination and training in the advanced-technology cockpit. In E. Wiener, B. The Economic Impact of Air Travel Restrictions due to Volcanic Ash, Oxford Economics, 2010: http:// tinyurl.com/72y79fj