As one of the industries significantly impacted by COVID-19, the aviation sector might not be high on your list when it comes to your future plans.
This National Aviation Day is here to put it back at the top!
The world of aviation has a lot to offer, and it’s definitely not going anywhere. In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at the variety of careers on offer and the opportunities you might explore in this exciting industry.
What is National Aviation Day?
National Aviation Day 2022 is on August 19th and provides an opportunity to stop and think about the power of flight in our communities and all the incredible advantages it’s given us.
Sometimes the technological marvels available to us become so commonplace we forget to take the time to reflect on the revolutionary impact they’ve had. When was the last time you sat on a plane and thought about the fact that you’re thousands of feet in the air, hurtling along at thousands of kilometers an hour – while watching a movie?!
In a handful of generations, aviation went from being an outrageous idea to everyday reality. National Aviation Day takes place on Orville Wright’s birthday. It aims to memorialize Orville and Wilbur Wright, the first in the world to successfully achieve powered flight in a heavier-than-air machine, on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
It’s the perfect chance to celebrate the significant scientific contribution aviation has made in our history – and explore the different career paths the sector has to offer!
4 Aviation Facts to Know
We thought it’d be great to look at some current facts that make up the industry! This should give you a better idea of what aviation looks like at the moment:
Fact One: Aviation employs thousands!
The US aviation industry currently employs 1,290,400 employees, including 691,700 pilots and 598,700 other employees.
Fact Two: The number of passengers taking commercial flights has increased by 607%!
As of May 2021, the number of passengers on commercial flights since May 2020 has increased by 607%. The most significant increase was in international flights, with an astonishing 2,522% increase since 2020.
Fact Three: Planes are no longer idle!
When the pandemic hit, many planes were parked to save money, waiting for when things were safe again. Many aircraft were even retired early, like the A380. But things are picking up – the number of active planes has increased from 61% to 76% between 2020 and 2022.
Fact Four: The US holds the No.1 spot for air travel!
With over 926.7 million passengers boarding US-registered planes in 2019, the US is rated as one of the biggest countries for flying. In second place was China, with 660 million. Surprisingly, Ireland held the 3rd place title with 170 million passengers.
5 Careers in Aviation to Explore Today
Pilots might be the first role that come to mind when you think about aviation, but the industry is supported by a wide range of exciting and diverse opportunities!
Here are five to think about:
- Air Traffic Controller
Pilots couldn’t do their jobs safely without Air Traffic Controllers! This active, detail-oriented role requires excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills. Air Traffic Controllers keep aircraft on time, ensuring everyone takes off and lands safely and that planes aren’t too close. There are several controllers, including the tower local controllers, the terminal radar controller, the tower flight data controller, the ground controller, the clearance delivery controller, and the radar associate controller.
- Cabin Crew
Pivotal in the smooth running of flights, ensuring customers stay safe and welcomed when on board, cabin crew are vital in the industry! Also known as Flight Attendants, this customer-focused role provides in-flight services to ensure passengers have a comfortable and smooth flying experience. Their duties include answering passengers’ questions, enforcing safety measures, and serving food and beverages during flights. They’re also knowledgable about emergency procedures and need a calm, collected nature to handle people who may be anxious or stressed and act quickly and professionally when required.
- Aviation Engineer
Aviation or Aeronautical Engineers perform and supervise engineering work concerned with the design, development, manufacture, maintenance, and modification of aircraft for flight. They perform safety checks that ensure aircraft are suitable for flying and work with other technicians and mechanics to repair and maintain different parts of planes when needed. The role requires a robust set of specific technical knowledge, alongside superb analytical and problem-solving skills.
- In-Flight Dining Caterer
You might not have given it much thought when you’re onboard, but all the in-flight meals and dining provided during your trip are catered by companies who work exclusively with the aviation industry! In-flight meals must be nutritional and flavorsome – not always easy to achieve with such small constraints! Organizations like our employer partner LSG Sky Chefs work to deliver high-quality meals so airlines can maintain a high-quality customer experience – and there’s a wealth of opportunity to explore in this niche part of the sector!
- Aviation Groundcrew
Bringing pilots and air traffic controllers together on the ground is the Aviation Groundcrew! These professionals are involved in aircraft fuelling and ground support services necessary for the preparation and continued support of aviation aircraft operations on the ground. They also assist with loading and unloading luggage and keeping runways and surrounding areas safe and hazard-free for the safety of all. You’ll need to be committed, have great stamina, and be a vital team member.
Find Out More
There are many opportunities to explore what the aviation industry has to offer! We’re working on bringing a new dedicated section for the sector to our industry pages – so watch this space!
