We’re sure every travel lover is familiar with the factoid that flying is the safest form of transport. Even so, recent years have brought an advancement in technology that means passengers can be even more assured that they’re in safe hands. But it doesn’t mean we’re not curious about which airlines are the safest.
That’s why AirlineRatings annually compile their list of the world’s safest airlines – and they’ve just released their latest set. They closely studied 405 airlines across the globe, looking at factors like audits from governments, aviation organisations and lead associations. They also totted up the crash and serious incident reports, as well as the age of the aeroplanes they fly, and the airline’s profitability. Spoiler alert: Qantas Airlines came top and the rest of the top 20 were too close to call, so they’ve been listed rather than ranked. That’s a similar case for the safest low-cost airlines, which resulted in an equal top 10.
So you know to feel extra relaxed, the Flexicover team has picked out the winning airlines closest to home.
Qantas
As far back as 2008, Qantas legally proved they were the “world’s most experienced airline”, and they’re equally leading the way when it comes to safety too. The Australian airline had been top of the AirlineRatings list every year from 2014 to 2017. Last year, all the top contenders performed equally, so the site didn’t rank its top 20. But Qanatas have re-emerged as a clear winner. It’s down to their “industry leadership in safety innovation”, including automatic landings using the Global Navigation Satellite System, precision approaches around mountains in cloud and, as 2018 proved, the first non-stop flight from London to Perth. Yet another reason to give them a whirl.
British Airways
It’s sweet relief that the UK’s national carrier is one of the safest in the world. The airline has not experienced a fatal accident in over three decades, thanks to a careful following of the rules and regulations required by law, as well as their own impeccable standards. They’re known for having a modern fleet and attracting the best engineers, pilots and cabin crew, ensuring a highly professional team dealing with every part of a flight. We’d expect nothing less from an airline that features Gordon Ramsay, Joanna Lumley and Olivia Colman in their safety video.
Flybe
The England-based airline Flybe was named as one of the 10 safest low-cost airlines in the world. That’s terrific news for the airline, which suffered a few PR disasters in 2017, like when two planes had to shut down an engine mid-flight and the landing gear failed on another – all within a month. But let’s not dwell on that. These events pushed them into making safety their top priority last year, and it’s certainly paid off. Not only did they pass the stringent International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), but they turned out to be one of the safest low-cost airlines in AirlineRatings’ audit.
Thomas Cook
Manchester-based charter airline Thomas Cook is another low-cost airline that impressed with their safety. Like Flybe, they scored a perfect seven out of seven in the AirlineRatings list. Primarily an airline for British leisure tourists off on a package holiday – they fly to alluring destinations from the Canaries and Balearic Island to Malaysia and Brazil – it means their passengers can relax into their vaycay early, safe in the knowledge they’re being looked after. If that doesn’t call for a mini-bottle of Champagne after take-off, we don’t know what does.
Virgin Atlantic
It’s no surprise that the premium airline is one of the safest (AirlineRatings awarded them seven out of seven for safety, but also for their product). With compelling videos and demonstrations, and fastidious cabin crews, they clearly don’t cut corners when it comes to any aspect of onboard safety. As well as operating a relatively new fleet, in 2019, they’ll start flying a new intake of Airbus A350-1000s, which promise to be an upgrade in safety and reliability. The new planes will fly to both business and leisure destinations, so if you’re stepping on a Virgin Atlantic plane this year, keep an eagle eye out.
Wherever you plan on heading this year it’s good to know that Flexicover Travel Insurance is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.
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