Successfully restarting air passenger travel while restoring confidence in the safety of air travel are vital pre-requisites to enabling the global economy to recover from COVID-19. In normal times, aviation delivers $2.7 trillion in global GDP contribution. Every one of the 25 million employees in the airline industry helps support up to 24 other jobs in the broader economy. A free webinar conducted by Blue Ocean Academy on the topic 'IATA The Business of Freedom - The Importance of Taking <a href="https://www.iata.org/">IATA</a> Certification' explored various career opportunities in aviation.

The webinar was facilitated by Gurjit GILL, who is an executive with over 20 years of international experience in the aviation and training industry. Gurjit joined IATA in 2007 in Montreal, Canada. He also spent 5 years in New Delhi, India from 2010 to 2015 to develop IATA’s South Asia training partner network. Back in Montreal in 2015, he was responsible for the management of the IATA ATC (Authorized Training Center) network globally.

The following are the important points discussed in the webinar:

Today, airlines are providing irreplaceable services in the fight against COVID-19 by transporting critical medical supplies—including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pharmaceuticals. When the crisis ends, aviation needs to be ready for another role—helping to restore battered economies and lift people’s spirits through the power of travel. Several individuals dream of getting a job in the aviation industry. An IATA certification is an important step towards building an exciting career in aviation.

The following are important IATA certification courses:

• Foundation for Travel and Tourism (FTTD)

A diploma course certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that fulfills your dream to work in the travel and tourism industry. Students will learn everything about making travel arrangements, reservations, ticketing and Global Distribution Systems. You can acquire the essential knowledge and skills to work in the travel and tourism industry and become an effective travel professional.

• Airline Cabin Crew

It is one of the most popular and exciting professions in the aviation industry. The <a href="https://www.blueoceanacademy.com/iata-airline-cabin-crew-training-course/">Airline Cabin Crew</a> profession will help you to understand the cabin crew profession, its origins and current practices. Students will be able to identify aircraft types and relevant cabin crew functions. Students will also learn to manage passenger interactions in a variety of circumstances, including emergency and safety procedures.

• Passenger Ground Services

Customer service is extremely important in the aviation industry. It involves providing the best service to the customers and making their journey convenient. Participants will understand how airlines and airports operate in relation to the provision of passenger services, passenger and baggage check-in. As well as boarding procedures, interpret the respective regulatory requirements related to passenger and baggage transport. It will also discuss how to ensure safe and secure passenger and baggage transport.

• Airport Ramp Services

Every minute is important when an airline is concerned. This course offers an introduction to ramp services as well as ground handling standards. It will also discuss safety requirements you need to know to work safely on the ramp. Students will learn aircraft characteristics and turnaround plans, cleaning, catering and other services, handling ground service equipment and airside safety.

• Cargo Introductory Course

Even when passenger flights were stopped during the crisis, cargo flights were the main mode of transport. Cargo flights helped deliver essentials like medications and protective equipment. This course will enable you to understand the IATA rules and procedures for air freight shipments. Not only that, it will also help you understand how to arrange air cargo shipments in accordance with IATA rules and procedures. Also, apply published rates and charges for air cargo shipments and prepare shipments ready for carriage.

• Airport Operations

The course covers all operational functions of an airport from airside operations and landside to terminal operations. Students will learn about rescue, firefighting and other support services, airport issues and challenges.