- Global Aviation Skills Taskforce launched to boost careers in
aviation as demand for flights grows post pandemic, creating a
resilient workforce and helping grow the economy.
- This taskforce will demand collaboration between
international partners to address global skills challenges in
aviation.
- Comes as Government has also signed two MOUs to work with
Spain on accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel,
establishing green shipping corridors and protecting seafarers.
The Aviation Minister has today launched a UK-led global
taskforce at the International Civil Aviation
Organisation’s (ICAO) Gender Summit in Spain to boost
careers in the aviation sector.
Building on the success of the Government’s existing domestic
programme Generation Aviation, which aims to build a
resilient and diverse workforce fit for the future, the UK is
partnering with Airport Council International (ACI
World), International Air Transport Association (IATA),
and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace
Industries Associations (ICCAIA) – demonstrating the
importance of international collaboration to address global
skills in aviation and aerospace.
Alongside other countries and industry, the taskforce will aim to
inspire the next generation to pursue careers in aviation
and will retain and upskill the current workforce as well as
promote diversity - unleashing the sector’s economic potential
and helping grow the economy.
Aviation and Maritime Minister Baroness Vere
said:
“Since the pandemic, demand for flights has grown but the sector
is still facing challenges in recruiting and retaining the people
it needs globally.
“It takes a united effort to fix that which is why I am keen to
work with international partners to attract the best talent to
aviation and deliver a diverse and resilient workforce to
overcome the challenges of the future.
“The UK has also committed to levelling up both the aviation and
maritime sectors, by working with Spain to grow the economy and
boost the sectors’ standards and sustainability.”
Futureproofing our aviation sector doesn’t just sit with the next
generation of aviators but requires leadership today. That is why
Baroness Vere is also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with Spain to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce
emissions in the aviation sector by sharing knowledge and best
practice and fostering high standards of sustainability globally.
Building on our shared naval heritage Baroness Vere is also
signing the MOU to establish green shipping corridors and protect
seafarer welfare.
Earlier this year the UK Government implemented its Seafarers
Wages Act, to increase pay and protect seafarers regularly
entering the UK. As part of its nine-point-plan to work with
international partners to reform employment and welfare of
seafarers, the UK and Spain will collaborate on protecting
seafarers and raising standards on the Anglo-Spanish shipping
routes, as well as sharing expertise to develop maritime
standards.
The environmental impact of shipping remains at the forefront of
the Government’s push to decarbonise transport, which is why the
UK is also establishing green shipping corridors with Spain as
part of the Clydebank Declaration. This will not only contribute
to reducing carbon emissions but also promote sustainable
economic growth and enhance global efforts to combat climate
change.
