Air transport provides economic benefits not just for its
passengers and cargo shippers, but also for the wider
economy by connecting businesses and individuals to
global markets. Modern, just-in-time, global supply chains
and multinational businesses are made possible by global
airline networks. Yet governments often fail to recognise
this and continue to implement air transport policies
that are not in the best interests of the aviation industry
and the wider economy. Monopolistic airports that raise
charges but do not improve the services they offer will see
passengers quickly shift elsewhere. Governments that
impose new taxes on the industry are taking advantage
of less sensitive movements in demand at the national
level to raise revenues at the industry’s expense.