Air transport is a key determinant of economic growth in France.

France occupies an important place in international trade. In 2006 France is the 4th largest exporter of services (around € 91Mds). According to UNCTAD estimates France is the third host of new foreign investment, behind the United States and the United Kingdom, but ahead of China (88.4 billion dollars). 40,000 direct jobs were created in 2006 by foreign firms in the country (source: Ministry of Foreign Trade and French Agency for International Investment).

These results were achieved by the implementation of policies to support open borders and the establishment of a strategy to prepare businesses to compete internationally and attract foreign companies. Air transport is an instrument of this strategy of economic development of France. The sector creates values, create jobs and economic hub.

All the economic activities carried out by airlines domiciled in France is almost 17 billion €, or about 1% of GDP. The overall economic impact of air transport is 4.25 times greater than its direct impact (source: IATA), and additional traffic to generate one million passengers in 4000 averaged direct or indirect jobs. (Source IFA). In an economy increasingly globalized, the transportation network is an indispensable asset of the national economy.

To increase its competitiveness France must lead an active strategy for air transport.The activities in this sector based in France create wealth and jobs, it is important to reinforce.

Air travel in France is a highly competitive industry that must be preserved, to boost the national economy, promote business development and territories meet the mobility needs of citizens.