International Air Transport Association (IATA) boss Tony Tyler has called for governments to rethink their attitudes towards the aviation industry, and stop thinking of it as a "potential source of cash".
Writing in IATA's internal publication, Airlines, Tyler criticised the implementation of government imposed charges and taxes and urged authorities to instead use the industry "strategically" to boost economic activity and jobs.
"If we are not burdened by excessive taxes and punitive regulations, aviation has the power to create jobs and catalyse economic growth," he wrote.
With economic uncertainty set to continue into 2012, Tyler predicted "another tough year" beset by more taxation and restrictive regulations. Unity was crucial to champion industry interests, he claimed.
"IATA will be even more effective as a voice in a chorus of industry advocates than as a soloist," he wrote.
Meanwhile, the industry body has commissioned 54 economic studies to explain the benefits of aviation at a national level, part of its strategy to convince governments of the value of "supportive" aviation policies.
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