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Aviation is developing rapidly. Several airports have experienced steady growth. In 2014, 3.3 billion passengers travelled by air (IATA). The importance of airports to the social and economic development has now been demonstrated. No country, region or city can hope for economic development without major airport infrastructures. This is particularly true for Singapore, Munich, Hong-Kong, Zurich, London or Amsterdam which are among the most appreciated airports in the world. Today, commercial airports are key to trade and tourism and generate employment. It is estimated that airports in Europe employ almost 1.7 million workers. But it is a total of 7.9 million jobs which are associated with the catalytic impacts -the way in which the airport facilitates the business of other sectors of the economy- of these airports. They are essential to the success of tourism -52% of international tourists travel by air- and are often a decisive factor for the growth of developing countries. For example, in India the aviation sector supports nearly 2 million direct jobs and contributes to 1.5% of GDP. That is significant. And large airports have developed into shopping centres not just to the benefit of travelers but also with and for the benefit of the local population. However, the aviation industry in order to win the public's confidence will also have to pursue its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

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