The economic development of air transport has been a key ICAO priority since we were established in 1944. A sound and economically viable civil aviation system generates wealth, employment and numerous socio-economic benefits through its activities, supply chains and a wide spectrum of other economic activities, particularly trade and tourism. It also feeds into aviation re-investment and supports a sustainable and healthy cycle of aviation and economic development.
To foster the development of a sound and economically viable civil aviation system, robust air transport policy and regulations are required. These reduce States’ costs in performing economic regulatory functions, improve air connectivity, create more competitive business opportunities in the marketplace and increase consumers’ benefits and choices. Air cargo transportation, types of non-scheduled air services, aircraft leasing, airline alliances, codesharing and franchising, these are all issues related to air transport economics.
Air cargo plays a pivotal role in global aviation, supporting international trade and the socio-economic development of countries. Understanding the economics behind air cargo operations is crucial for professionals involved in civil aviation, airline management, and airport services. A solid grasp of these economic dynamics can empower decision-makers, improve efficiency, and foster innovation in the aviation .
As the aviation industry continues to evolve in its commitment to sustainability, there is an increasing need for professionals to stay informed on the latest policies, technologies, and best practices. When it comes to air cargo, ICAO provides many resources and tools and our new Introduction Air Cargo Economics training is a valuable part of this. ICAO developed this course to provide in-depth knowledge and equip participants to be able to navigate the complex landscape of sustainable aviation practices effectively.
Your introduction to air cargo economics
The Introduction to Air Cargo Economics is a 2-hour, self-paced online course that provides accessible and engaging knowledge on the air cargo industry. The comprehensive training can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and features 18 microlearning topics. A key highlight of the course is its AI-guided virtual tutor, Nina, who guides participants through interactive lessons, making the complex subject matter easier to understand. Participants gain insight into topics ranging from the economic impacts of air cargo and regulatory frameworks to operational aspects and technological advancements.
In the below video, we’re sharing a look at the interactive learning environment with this course. The training breaks down the 18 critical topics into easily digestible lessons for participants, providing a hands-on, dynamic learning experience designed for efficient and flexible learning.
ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit
Save the date!! In April 2025, we will be holding the first ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit in Türkiye. The summit will serve as a unique forum for stakeholders to collaborate and address key issues in the air cargo industry and it will help us create a roadmap for enhancinge the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the air cargo operating environment. We’re recommending stakeholders from all levels of the air cargo sector – regulators, airlines, freight forwarders, airport operators, academia, and strategic partners from relevant United Nations agencies – attend this event. This is how we can foster a collaborative approach to industry challenges.
There is more training under the air transport umbrella
Though the Introduction to Air Cargo Economics online course is the most recent offering under the air transport umbrella. We also developed the Air Transport Regulations, Air Transport Regulation Issues and Air Transport Economics online courses to help participants understand, interpret and apply the basic concepts and institutional considerations of international air transport economic regulation at the national, bilateral and multilateral levels from the perspective of the policy maker, regulator and industry. These courses were developed based on ICAO’s updated policies and guidance on air transport regulation, and cover the following areas:
- Air Transport Regulation Online Course (8h)
- Air Transport Regulation Issues Online Course (6h)
- Air Transport Economics Online Course (6h)
- Air Transport Economics for Airport Professionals Online Course (6h)
All of these courses deliver high-quality, industry-relevant knowledge to aviation professionals worldwide, to enable participants to stay at the forefront of the industry.
