Over seventy years later, this all has become an evident reality, to such an extent that air transport is now accepted as a fundamental pillar of our global society, as indispensable to our daily lives as medicine and telecommunications, and essential for social progress and economic prosperity.
The growing availability of affordable air travel has considerably widened aviation's role in our sustainable society. Air travel is no longer a luxury commodity. The air transport industry has not only underpinned wealth creation in the developed world, but has also brought enormous benefits to developing economies by unlocking their potential for trade and tourism.
Aviation provides the only worldwide transportation network, which makes it essential for global business and tourism. It plays a vital role in facilitating economic growth, particularly in developing countries. Aviation transports close to 2 billion†passengers annually and 40% of interregional exports of goods (by value). 40% of international tourists now travel by air.
Aviation's global economic impact (direct, indirect, induced and catalytic) is estimated at US$ 2,960 billion, equivalent to 8% of world Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The world's 900 airlines have a total fleet of nearly 22,000 aircrafts. They serve some 1,670 airports through a route network of several million kilometers managed by around 160 air navigation service providers making it one of the world's most important industries. Its development and its technical and service achievements make it one of the greatest contributors to the advancement of modern society.
Pakistan has 12 International airports handling more than 20 million international passengers annually. Jinnah International Airport Karachi is the biggest and busiest airport of Pakistan handling more than 25,000 international flights annually. It observes cross border movement of almost 57,000 passengers daily with major influx of almost 20,000 international passengers every day at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
While ensuring swift and smooth movement of passengers along with their baggage at this border point, 'Pakistan Customs' also guards this international border against movement of restricted/prohibited goods and contraband goods. The operations of Pakistan customs at Jinnah International Airport Karachi, apart from the international arrival and international departure includes the Drug Cell and Rummaging & Patrolling section at the runway and tarmac area, which works as a spine for the front line officers in easy handling of passengers and cater the enforcement side at the airport.
Pakistan customs, with all the minimal human resource and not so advanced technology in terms of tools and equipment and majorly relying on human intelligence passenger profiling, interdicted almost 30Kgs Heroine powder and 9Kgs Amphetamine worth 554 Million in the international market. First time ever in history, Pakistan customs at Jinnah International Airport Karachi interdicted 8.5Kgs Cocaine worth 160 Million in 03 different cases and that too in just 5 days.
First time ever in history at any international airport in Pakistan, Pakistan customs foiled a smuggling attempt of 202 Carats Diamond worth 6 Million. More than 8Kgs of gold jewellery worth 38Million and currency worth 28Million were also seized. All this done in last 01 year.
The role of Pakistan Customs at the airports is much diversified and it enforces not only the customs laws but many other allied laws also including the Anti-Money Laundering Act and Control of Narcotic Substances Act. This diversity enhances the professionalism in the officers of customs and at the same time makes the job of the customs officer more difficult and challenging.
This all has to be done considering the fact that the trade related activities running through the airports are not hampered and the tourist/foreigners coming to Pakistan should carry a positive and soft image of the country.
Airports have become more than just a port that people travel through on their way to their destination, with many now operating as hubs that send passengers around the world. Hub airports work to create economies of scale by pooling demand for destinations and regular flights. Businesses also recognize the importance of airports. A recent study found that half of Fortune 500 companies had their headquarters within 10 miles of a hub airport. That's in comparison to just 29 per cent of all US businesses.
In fact, some businesses are going as far as to set up within the airport grounds to benefit from the proximity to these hubs. Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn built its manufacturing base within a bonded zone at Zhengzhou International Airport in China and employs 240,000 people assembling Apple products. Raw materials fly in, products fly out. With all this happening around the globe and increase in the aviation industry, it turns more than necessary strengthening the only economic defenders i.e. Pakistan customs as need of the day to ensure legitimate growth increasing Pakistan's potential of trade and development.