The aviation industry covers scheduled air transport, non-scheduled air transport and the operation of air terminal facilities, air traffic control and ground facilities.  Positions within the industry include:

• cabin and flight deck crew
• baggage handlers
• check in staff
• airside staff 
• air traffic control

The industry currently employs 149,000 employees.  Around 90% of UK employment in the industry is in England.

Workforce statistics:

• 10% of the workforce work part-time
• 37% of the workforce are female, but are concentrated in roles such as air cabin crew
• 11% of the workforce are from ethnic minority groups
• the average age of employees is 40.2 years
• 72% of the workforce are qualified to at least NVQ Level 2

Employer statistics:

• 4% of companies employ more than 100 people
• 86% of the workforce are employed in companies with more than 100 staff
• 79% of companies offer training
• 12% report skills gaps
• skills gaps are reported for customer service, communication and professional IT skills

The industry has a strong presence in London and the South East, due to Heathrow and several other large airports.  The South East and London accounts for two thirds of the UK’s aviation employees.
 
Skills needs exist in some key roles including baggage handlers, ramp staff and check in staff are key roles where skills needs exist.  The future skills needs reported by 12% of companies are for: customer service; communication; and professional IT skills.

Source: Data from GoSkills 2007, LMI Industry fact sheets 2006 and GoSkills Skills Needs Assessment (stage 1) sector summary 2006a