The World’s Safest Airlines: A Look at the Leaders in Aviation and Passenger Safety

As we navigate an era where air travel boasts an impressive safety record, it’s comforting to know that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, outpacing even the routine activities we partake in every day.

The prestigious safety rankings of global airlines are the outcome of an extensive seven-factor evaluation process. This robust assessment method takes into account a range of critical elements such as past accidents, the rigor of operational audits, and the age of the aircraft, ensuring that the highest standards of safety are met.

While headlines occasionally cast a spotlight on aviation safety concerns and a rise in near-miss events, it’s important to maintain perspective on the overall safety landscape of modern commercial aviation, which continues to set benchmarks for secure travel.

Indeed, the occurrence of commercial jet crashes has become exceptionally rare, testament to the relentless strides made in technology and pilot training, which continue to evolve from lessons learned from past incidents. The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) latest data reflects this positive trend, with a notable decrease in fatal accidents over the years, reaffirming the ever-improving standards of airline safety.

When weighed against vehicular travel, the statistics are clear: flying is the superior choice for safety. The contrast is stark between the 158 fatalities from airplane incidents worldwide and the nearly 43,000 road traffic deaths in the U.S. alone during 2022.

“Flying ranks as one of the safest human activities,” declares IATA’s director general, Willie Walsh. He emphasizes, however, that while the risks of aviation are minuscule, they are not absent. Meticulous examination of emerging safety trends is key to elevating the already high safety standards of flying.

Safety diligence isn’t uniform across all airlines and regions. Walsh expresses particular concern for turboprop operations in Africa and Latin America due to varying levels of safety adherence.

Industry experts agree that robust regulations are critical. Aviation consultant and ex-National Transportation Safety Board member John Goglia notes that countries with stringent oversight and airlines that rigorously evaluate pilot performance and maintenance have exceptionally low accident rates.

To choose the safest flight, here’s a snapshot of how airlines measure up.

Evaluating the Safest Airlines in the World
AirlineRatings.com, an Australian website specializing in aviation safety and reviews, annually evaluates global airlines through a meticulous seven-point system. Surveying 385 carriers, the methodology accounts for factors like five-year accident records, serious incident records over two years, and the age of the airline’s fleet. The rankings also factor in the volume of passengers and frequency of flights, often benefiting those with extensive long-haul operations.

“Daily incidents are a reality for all airlines, many stemming from equipment or manufacturing issues rather than operational faults,” says Geoffrey Thomas, the editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com. He emphasizes that a crew’s response to incidents is what truly separates a safe airline from its counterparts.

For 2023, Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, proudly leads the safety rankings—a position it’s maintained seven times since 2013. Air New Zealand remains another constant at the top. The top 20 list includes five major U.S. airlines alongside others from Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, showcasing a global commitment to aviation safety.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, afar.com, AirlineRatings.com