Chris AshtonIn an announcement that fills my little Australian heart with pride, Qantas has been named the world’s safest airline for the third year in a row by AirlineRatings.com
The national carrier experienced no serious safety incidents in 2015, and has remarkably maintained a fatality-free record since the dawn of the jet era.
Of the 407 airlines surveyed by AirlineRatings.com, 148 achieved the top 7-star rating, with Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air and Finnair among the top 20.
But for every high, there must be a low. The report added there are 50 airlines with a rating of just three stars or less, and ten ranking as low as one.
AirlineRatings.com’s rating system takes into account a range of factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies and lead associations, as well as government audits and the airline’s fatality record.
Geoffrey Thomas, editor for AirlineRatings.com, said: “Our top safest airlines are always at the forefront of safety innovation, operational excellence and the launching of new more advanced aircraft.”
“These airlines are always at the forefront for excellence in the safety space. However there is no question amongst the editors that Qantas remains a standout in safety enhancements and best practice.”
AirlineRatings.com’s report also revealed the world’s top 20 safest low-cost carriers, with Jetstar Australia, Virgin America, Aer Lingus and TUI Fly among the winners.
