The stars of development and promise in the first decade of the 21st Century, Brazil, Russia, India and China (collectively known as the 'BRICs') are being closely watched by economists, sociologists and political observers, seen as key indicators of the new world economic and social order. They all have large populations, abundant resources, generally stable politics and a rising standard of living, each creating a new bloc of consumers.

As has been proven over and again, air transport networks are key to development, both internally and with relation to the rest of the globe. Therefore the growth and health of this industry can be one indicator of overall progress. Looking at the BRICs, we find vastly different levels of infrastructure available to the aviation sector.