There’s fresh hope on the horizon for Hong Kong’s aviation sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is applauding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government’s proactive measures to tackle labor shortages in the aviation industry.
The Hong Kong government allocated HKD 2 billion to support the aviation industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant drop in air traffic and revenue for Hong Kong’s aviation industry.
IATA’s revised forecast predicts that Hong Kong’s passenger traffic will return to pre-crisis levels by the end of 2024. This aligns with the rapid recovery pace expected in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Things are looking up for Hong Kong,” says Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. The early reopening of China is serving as a catalyst for passenger recovery. “By 2024’s end, we anticipate Hong Kong’s air traffic to mirror pre-crisis levels. It’s heartening to see the Hong Kong government gearing up for this resurgence by ensuring the availability of the necessary workforce,” he adds.
IATA and AAHK join forces to tackle Hong Kong aviation worker shortage
The Hong Kong government has kick-started a labor importation scheme to bolster the airport workforce with an additional 6,300 workers from mainland China. Despite a strong demand for air travel, Hong Kong’s airlines have been grappling with supply chain bottlenecks and a labor drought.
“The past three years have been a turbulent ride for the aviation sector. As we set our sights on recovery and brace for future growth, it is crucial that the entire Hong Kong aviation ecosystem, encompassing airlines, airport, regulator, and government, join forces to overcome the challenges and seize future opportunities. I eagerly await my visit to Hong Kong in August for engaging and productive discussions with our partners,” asserts Walsh.
In a bid to revitalize the sector, IATA is joining forces with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to host the Hong Kong Aviation Day on 2-3 August 2023.
The aviation industry is critical to Hong Kong’s economy, and we are committed to supporting its growth and development. By partnering with IATA on Hong Kong Aviation Day, we hope to attract more talent to the industry and ensure its continued success.
– Fred Lam, CEO, Airport Authority Hong Kong
The aviation industry is facing a global skills shortage, and it is essential that we work together to attract and retain the best talent. Hong Kong Aviation Day is an excellent opportunity to showcase the exciting and rewarding careers available in aviation.
– Nick Careen, Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, IATA
Hong Kong Aviation Day promises to bolster the sector and encourage more people to join the exciting world of aviation.
Do you dream of airplanes? Does the hustle and bustle of a busy airport terminal fascinate you? Would you enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the intricate dance of the aviation industry? Why not turn that dream into your reality?
Learn more about careers in aviation.
Just the Facts
- How to attend Hong Kong Aviation Day, 1-3 August 2023
- Hong Kong’s aviation industry employed over 88,000 people as of 2017.
- By 2019, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) employed 78,000 staff to meet demand.
- Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 71 million passengers in 2019.
- In a pre-Covid report, IATA forecast:“the air transport market in Hong Kong is forecast under the ‘current trends’ scenario to grow by 96% in the next 20 years.
- This would result in an additional 34 million passenger journeys by 2037. If met, this increased demand would support approximately US $64 billion of GDP and 424,043 jobs.”
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts the global aviation industry will need to recruit and train 5.3 million new workers by 2039.
- If you’re interested in a job in the skies, the opportunities for an aviation career are nearly limitless. There is especially strong global demand for flight, cabin, and aircraft maintenance technicians.
- Global demand for engineers, technicians, and mechanics is also vital in the supply chain.