Preparing the Global Aviation Workforce for Sustainable Development Goals to be Successful: The Indispensable Role of English Language Proficiency
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research investigates the crucial role of English language proficiency in preparing the global aviation workforce to contribute effectively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and the Resource-Based View, the study employed a quantitative survey of 400 fourth-year aviation students across Thailand. The objectives of this research were: 1) to assess perceptions regarding the value of English training for career development, organizational success, and sustainable growth within the aviation sector; 2) to examine the importance of investing in English language training for individual career trajectories and organizational triumph within the aviation sector; and 3) to align these findings with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The findings revealed: 1) a strong consensus among participants that English language proficiency significantly enhances international job readiness, operational communication, and long-term employability. Students reported a high perception of its importance in their professional development, particularly in securing international job opportunities (Mean = 4.78, S.D. = 0.52) and facilitating effective communication with diverse colleagues (Mean= 4.69, S.D. = 0.58); 2) the participants perceived a strong positive impact of robust English skills on individual career advancement (Mean = 4.62, S.D. = 0.60). They also recognized the significant contribution of English proficiency to enhancing organizational operational efficiency (Mean = 4.55, S.D. = 0.63), supporting the case for strategic investment in English language development initiatives; 3) students demonstrated a substantial understanding of the linkages between English language proficiency and the achievement of SDG 4: Quality Education (Mean = 4.30, S.D. = 0.75) and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (Mean = 4.45, S.D. = 0.68). Moreover, a statistically significant and strong positive correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) was found between the perceived importance of English training and students’ understanding of its alignment with these global development goals.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Views and opinions expressed in the articles published by The Journal of MCU Peace Studies, are of responsibility by such authors but not the editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.
References
Agnihotri, A., & Bhattacharya, S. (2024). United Airlines: Combatting a Talent Shortage. SAGE Publications: SAGE Business Cases Originals.
Aydoğan, S. (2023). Connecting Sustainable Development Goals to Airport Sustainability Practices. N.P.: The SDGS and Entrepreneurship.
Barney, J. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
Becker, G. S. (1964). Human Capita. New York: National Bureau of Economic Research.
Blau, P. (2017). Exchange and Power in Social Life. New York: Routledge.
Brown, J. (2024). Antisocial Language Teaching: English and the Pervasive Pathology of Whiteness: Gerald, JPB Multilingual Matters, 2022. TESL Canada Journal, 41(2), 97-98.
Campbell-Laird, K. (2004). Aviation English: A Review of the Language of International Civil Aviation. In International Professional Communication Conference on 29 September - 2 October 2004, IPCC 2004 Proceedings (pp. 253-261). IEEE.
Chanda, N., & Froetschel, S. (Eds.). (2012). A World Connected: Globalization in the 21st Century. London: Yale University Press.
Demirdöken, G., & Atay, D. (2024). Enhancing Aviation English Competency: A Simulation-Based Approach for Aspiring Pilots. English for Specific Purposes, 76, 106-121.
Estival, D., Farris, C., & Molesworth, B. (2016). Aviation English: A Lingua Franca for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers. UK: Routledge.
Herasymenko, L., Muravska, S., Lomakina, M., Martynenko, N., & Mazurenko, I. (2021). Reticence Is Not a Virtue in Aviation: Improving English Speaking Proficiency of Future Aviation Specialists. Revista Romaneasca Pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 13(2), 498-515.
Homans, G. C. (1961). Social Behaviour: Its Elementary Forms. USA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
International Civil Aviation Organization. (2010). Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements. Montreal: International Civil Aviation Organization.
Keadplang, K. (2024). Language Teaching Efficiency through E-pedagogy between Learners and Teachers Collaboration toward English Education Movement in Southeast Asia. Journal of MCU Peace Studies, 12(2), 440-448.
Kim, T.-Y., & Kim, Y. (2021). Structural Relationship between L2 Learning Motivation and Resilience and their Impact on Motivated Behavior and L2 Proficiency. Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 50(2), 417-436.
Kuroiwa, I., & Umezaki, S. (2024). Measuring Connectivity in Global Maritime and Aviation Networks. In Global Value Chains and Industrial Development: Participation, Upgrading, and Connectivity (pp. 73-103). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2021). The Role of Linguistic Competence in Organizational Resilience: A Resource-Based View in the Global Transport Sector. International Journal of Logistics Management, 32(1), 145-160.
Mackenzie, D. (2010). ICAO: A History of the International Civil Aviation Organization. University of Toronto Press.
Schultz, T. W. (1961). Investment in Human Capital. The American Economic Review, 51(1), 1-17.
Singh, R. K. S. (2021). Identifying Aircraft Maintenance Trainees' English Language Learning Needs. Malaysian Journal of ELT Research, 18(2), 19-31.
Thanasabkasem, S., & Keadplang, K. (2016). Perception of International Tourists towards Local Vendors' Communication Skills: A Case Study of the Koh Kred Community in Nonthaburi Province. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 9(1), 102-114.
Tiewtrakul, T., & Fletcher, S. R. (2010). The Challenge of Regional Accents for Aviation English Language Proficiency Standards: A Study of Difficulties in Understanding in Air Traffic Control-Pilot Communications. Ergonomics, 53(2), 229-239.
Turner, R., & Sears, Z. (2013). “Travel & Tourism as a Driver of Employment Growth”. In the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013. Geneva: The Word Economic Forum.
Wernerfelt, B. (1984). A Resource-Based View of the Firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171-180.
