Buckle up for peace of mind! In 2023, the coveted title of "World's Safest Airline" belongs to Air New Zealand, according to the renowned aviation safety experts at AirlineRatings. This prestigious accolade isn't just a pat on the back; it's a testament to Air New Zealand's unwavering commitment to safety, evident in their exemplary practices throughout the year.
While Air New Zealand takes the top spot, the competition was fierce! Qantas, Australia's flag carrier, falls closely behind with just a 1.5-point difference – a margin editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas called "incredibly close." This speaks volumes about both airlines' relentless pursuit of safety excellence.
One factor setting Air New Zealand apart is their mastery of flying in unpredictable weather. From Wellington's blustery winds to Queenstown's stunning but demanding mountainous approaches, their pilots consistently showcase superior skill and unwavering dedication to safety.
But safety goes beyond incident-free skies. AirlineRatings' comprehensive assessment factors in vital aspects like:
- Serious incidents and fatalities
- Regulatory inspections and compliance
- Profitability and investment in safety systems
- Industry-leading safety initiatives
- Rigorous pilot training programs
- Modern and well-maintained fleet
It's important to note that uncontrollable factors like bird strikes and turbulence are not a part of the ranking, as airlines have limited control over them.
While Air New Zealand takes the gold, numerous other airlines deserve applause for their unwavering commitment to safety. These include Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, Finnair, Cathay Pacific Airways, Alaska Airlines, SAS, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa Group, KLM, Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, Air Canada Group, and United Airlines.
Choosing an airline shouldn't be a gamble. By recognizing and celebrating industry leaders like Air New Zealand and its peers, we can all fly with greater confidence, knowing that safety remains the top priority across the skies.
Here are the full rankings of the safest airlines in the world for 2024:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Virgin Australia
- Etihad Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- All Nippon Airways
- Finnair
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- SAS
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- EVA Air
- British Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- TAP Air Portugal
- Lufthansa/Swiss Group
- KLM
- Japan Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- American Airlines
- Air France
- Air Canada Group
- United Airlines