Côte d’Ivoire recently marked International Civil Aviation Day (December 7th), focusing this year on “The Future of Jobs in the Civil Aviation Sector” and the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment.
The celebration served as a platform for unions and industry experts to address challenges and prepare workers for impending technological transformation.
Industry expert Bayla Sow delivered a presentation emphasizing the sector’s rapid transformation. He stressed the importance of anticipating technological changes and continuous training to foster professional versatility.
Sow issued a stark warning regarding the direct impact of AI: Jobs such as ground handling and check-in agent positions are threatened with extinction within the next 20 years due to AI integration.
However, Sow highlighted encouraging growth prospects for the industry: International air transport forecasts for the period 2025–2030 predict 9.8 billion passengers per year, with an annual growth rate between 3.6 percent and 4.8 percent.
Guy Georges Sere, President of the Union of Air Transport Unions of Côte d’Ivoire, underlined the importance of the day for industry workers. He affirmed the unions’ commitment to partnering with companies to improve living and working conditions and guarantee decent work. For Bayla Sow, the definition of decent work encompasses: Fair wages, social protection, and the right to strike.
Moussa Sangare, in charge of traffic management at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), reiterated the ITF’s core concerns: labor rights, social protection, and gender equality. He stressed that technological advancements are a reality that requires constant adaptation to guarantee decent work and protect workers.
Assita Ouedraogo, the ITF Africa Regional Women’s Coordinator, focused on the need for better women’s representation in the sector, particularly in high-responsibility roles. She noted that women are underrepresented in key positions like air traffic controllers and advocated for increased female capacity in these roles. She also called for efforts to combat violence and harassment against women in civil aviation.
Ouedraogo also echoed concerns about AI, warning that workers must strengthen their skills to avoid significant job losses by 2050. She cited the example of ongoing research into pilotless aircraft as a major threat to current employment levels.
The celebration was supported by the ITF and its sub-regional office, emphasizing adaptation and continuous training. The ITF National Coordination of Affiliates in Côte d’Ivoire, which comprises 20 unions, was cited as a success model for its collaboration in promoting workers’ rights.
AP/Sf/fss/abj/APA