Up
to 400,000 jobs in the aviation industry have been lost in the wake of the 11
September terrorist attacks, according
to the International Labour Organisation.
An
ILO study says a drop in passenger numbers after the attacks has led to route
cuts and widespread layoffs.
And
the report warns that the consequences of layoffs among airline staff may
spread.
It
says for every direct flight job lost, at least four jobs are lost on the
ground in airports – in areas such as catering, baggage, maintenance and
airport security – and approximately three jobs around the perimeter of
airports – in hotels, transport and support services for airlines and
passengers.
The
report says there is ‘no clear picture’ about the future of the industry.
The
air transport industry was already in decline due to an economic downturn, the
ILO says, but the events of 11 September have sharply magnified this slowdown.
The
study was presented to an ILO forum in Geneva attended by governments, civil
aviation workers and employers.
