TASC Outsourcing bullish on aviation jobs

Abbas Ali, vice-president, TASC Outsourcing, is optimistic about growth in aviation-related jobs in Dubai.

Talent Asset Software & Consulting Outsourcing (TASC), a Dubai-based contract staffing firm, is optimistic about growth in aviation-related jobs in Dubai.

By 2020, Dubai's aviation-supported jobs will grow to more than 750,000 and the sector will contribute $53.1 billion or 37.5 per cent of Dubai's gross domestic product (GDP), said Abbas Ali, vice-president, TASC Outsourcing.

"Al Maktoum International Airport expansion with a budget of $33 billion will bring enormous opportunities in areas such as cargo, flight and passenger services. Dubai's aviation sector supports 416,500 jobs, contributing $26.7 billion to the GDP - around 21 per cent of total employment and 27 per cent of the city's GDP."

The airport expansion programmes will bring opportunities in the aviation sector, which mainly includes SMEs in flight and cargo operations. The sector's airline and airport capacity continue to expand to accommodate growing demand. The contribution of the aviation sector to Dubai's economy is expected to grow at a faster rate on the back of the strong growth in international passenger and cargo traffic.

Ali explained that companies are adopting a global sourcing model to find "smart talent". In order to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, firms need to compete for talent in the global market.

"People in aviation are very passionate about the industry. It is always desirable to find candidates that share this passion and enthusiasm along with the necessary skills and experience. Finding custom-centric candidates with an analytical and solution-focused mindset is desirable," said Ali.

Current trends observed by this firm include customer analytics, big data and cloud technologies. The importance of capturing and analysing large amounts of data and customising the users' experience is increasing at a rapid rate.

"The start of 2016 was very promising with a continuing increase in technology contract staff. However, non-core areas such as functional, administration and human resources are a little slow," added Ali.

"There could be some pressure on salaries if we experience increased growth leading up to Expo 2020. However, this will drive firms to be more innovative with how they source candidates.
One area that demand pressures can be seen is in new technologies such as big data and analytics. Also, cyber security is fast becoming a key area for many organisations, especially in aviation. Shortages and potential salary increases could result from the convergence of these factors," he concluded.

- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com