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Geopolitical events have significantly impacted global GDP, with growth projected to slow further due to tight monetary policies, restrictive financial conditions, and weak global trade and investment. Recent conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have heightened risks, potentially causing surges in energy prices and broader economic disruptions. Additional challenges include financial stress from high debt, persistent inflation, weaker growth in China, trade fragmentation, and climate-related disasters. Policymakers face enormous challenges, underscoring the need for international cooperation on debt relief, climate change, trade integration, and food security. To combat inflation, global interest rates are expected to rise, exceeding 1 percentage point for major advanced economies and 1.5 percentage points for emerging ones (OECD, n.d.).

The global economy is poised to experience the slowest five-year GDP growth in 30 years, with growth projected to decelerate to 2.4% in 2024, according to the World Bank. While the risk of a global recession has lessened due to the robust U.S. economy, mounting geopolitical tensions, high borrowing costs, and sluggish global trade threaten the economic outlook, especially for developing economies. These economies are expected to grow at 3.9%, significantly below their previous decade's average, with many low-income countries still poorer than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian domestic airline sector has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in late 2019 delivered a severe blow to the aviation sector. As many countries, including Australia, implemented travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus, global air passenger volumes plummeted in early 2020. This resulted in a decline of over 95% in passenger traffic for both international and domestic flights within Australia. Which illustrates the profound impact that COVID-19 has had on the Australian aviation sector. The initial economic response, including stimulus packages and support for businesses, aimed to mitigate the immediate effects on the sector. With the Australian government has pledged approximately $5.6 billion to a range of initiatives to boost Australia's aviation industry from March 2020 through to 2022–2023 as part of the economic response to COVID-19. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's aviation sector played a vital role in the nation's economic health. Comprised of domestic and international airlines, airports, and ancillary service providers, the industry directly contributed $20 billion to the GDP, representing 1% of total output. Furthermore, aviation facilitated connectivity between remote and regional areas with major centres, ensuring access to essential services.

ANAO analysis of departmental data (n.d.) details expenditure on aviation support measures from February 2020 to January 2022 reveals a breakdown across various initiatives. For instance, the Australian Airline Relief Package (AAFRP) received $641.7 million, Domestic Aviation Network Support (DANS) received $480.7 million, and International Aviation Support (IAS) received $195.8 million. The total expenditure during this period amounted to $2110.5 million. In addition to these measures, the aviation sector also received support through the Job Keeper payment scheme. Seven aviation companies received over $1.2 billion in Job Keeper payments, as outlined by ASIC (n.d.). State governments also contributed to supporting the aviation sector with initiatives such as the Affordable Airfares program introduced by the Western Australian Government ($21.4 million) and the Aviation Route Restart program introduced by the Queensland Government ($15 million).

In response to the High Court ruling against Qantas, several key players within the aviation sector have articulated their positions and concerns. The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), which led the legal battle, celebrated the decision as a significant victory for workers' rights, highlighting the need for stronger protections against outsourcing. Qantas, represented by CEO Alan Joyce, acknowledged the court's decision but defended the outsourcing as a necessary business move for cost-saving and efficiency. The airline remains focused on its financial recovery and future investments. Industry analysts view the ruling as a potential game-changer, influencing how companies approach outsourcing and labor negotiations. Other airlines and aviation bodies expressed concerns over the financial and operational implications, fearing increased scrutiny and legal challenges that could prompt a reevaluation of labor strategies within the sector. Overall, the sector's response highlights the ongoing tension between business efficiency and fair labour practices.