Flight Safety Information - November 8, 2023 No. 217 In This Issue : Incident: France A321 at Birmingham on Nov 7th 2023, rejected takeoff with aircraft on short final : Incident: ACT B744 at Doha on Nov 7th 2023, engine vibrations : Airbus A320-214 - Diversion - Fumes in the cabin (Belgium) : TSA finds loaded gun in airline employee's bag at MSP Airport : United States DOT Denies United Airlines Request For Guam-Tokyo Route : Airbus Is Filling an 8,000 Airplane Backlog Amid Strong Demand : IndiGo Expects Grounding Of 35 Aircraft In Q4 Due To P&W Engine Issue : Aeromexico Raises Safety Measures and Efficiency of Operations with AI-Powered IBM Technology : AIRLINES DRAW PILOTS FROM BUSINESS AVIATION : Kern Raises Key Issues at Bombardier Safety Standdown : These Are the World’s Safest Airlines : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: France A321 at Birmingham on Nov 7th 2023, rejected takeoff with aircraft on short final An Air France Airbus A321-200, registration F-GTAZ performing flight AF-1165 from Birmingham,EN (UK) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), was taxiing for departure, lined up runway 33 via taxiway S1 and commenced takeoff. A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EFN performing flight FR-1213 from Bydgoszcz (Poland) to Birmingham,EN (UK), was on final approach to Birmingham's runway 33 about 3.5nm before the displaced runway threshold when the A321 crossed the hold short line. The A321 rejected takeoff at low speed (about 75 knots over ground) and vacated the runway via taxiway T1 about 0.8nm from the start of takeoff run. The B738 initiated a go around at about 1000 feet MSL and about 1nm before the displaced runway threshold. The aircraft positioned for another approach to runway 33 and landed without further incident about 15 minutes after the go around. The A321 returned to the holding point and departed about 16 minutes after the rejected takeoff reaching Paris with a delay of about 14 minutes. https://avherald.com/h?article=510cf695&opt=0 Incident: ACT B744 at Doha on Nov 7th 2023, engine vibrations An ACT Airlines Boeing 747-400 freighter on behalf of Qatar Airways, registration TC-ACM performing flight QR-8203 from Doha (Qatar) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was enroute at FL320 about 40nm southeast of Kuwait (Kuwait) when the crew observed high right hand outboard engine vibrations (CF6), reduced the engine to idle thrust and decided to return to Doha. The aircraft drifted down to FL230 for the return, dumped fuel and landed safely back in Doha about 110 minutes after departure. According to information The Aviation Herald received the engine showed damage to a number of fan blades and deposits. The engine is being replaced. The aircraft is still on the ground in Doha about 8 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=510ce45a&opt=0 Airbus A320-214 - Diversion - Fumes in the cabin (Belgium) Date: Tuesday 7 November 2023 Time: Type: Airbus A320-214 Owner/operator: Smartlynx Estonia, op. for SAS Registration: ES-SAB MSN: 3644 Engine model: CFMI CFM56-5B4/P Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 114 Aircraft damage: None Location: Brussels Airport - Belgium Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP/LEMG) Destination airport: Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN/ESSA) Narrative: SAS flight SK1804, an Airbus A320-214 operated by Smartlynx Airlines, diverted to Brussels Airport after it was noted that there were smell of fumes in the cabin area. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/347683 TSA finds loaded gun in airline employee's bag at MSP Airport MINNEAPOLIS — A security screening at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Thursday prevented an airline employee from bringing a handgun further into the facility. The Transportation Security Administration said the employee was randomly selected for screening and a TSA officer spotted the handgun during an X-ray. MSP Airport police responded and discovered the gun was loaded. "Firearms should never be brought to the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage, and airline employees should certainly be aware of that," TSA Federal Security Director for Minnesota Marty Robinson said. The TSA did not say by which airline the person was employed. Forty-nine guns have been detected at MSP so far in 2023, the TSA said, which is nine short of last year's total. According to the TSA, travelers can bring firearms in checked baggage if they are "unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter." The penalty for a firearm violation at an airport can be as much as a $14,950 fine. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/tsa-finds-gun-in-airline-employees-bag-at-msp-airport/ United States DOT Denies United Airlines Request For Guam-Tokyo Route The DOT also announced an update on United Airlines' requested Houston-Tokyo Haneda slots. SUMMARY • United Airlines' application to fly between Guam and Tokyo Haneda has been denied by the US Department of Transportation. • Hawaiian Airlines is now required to prove that it is using the nighttime slots from Tokyo Haneda. • The DOT will conduct a comparative selection proceeding to allocate slots for flights between Houston and Tokyo Haneda, considering public benefits and competition. • United Airlines' plans to take on Hawaiian Airlines slots for routes to Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) from Guam have been scrapped. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) dismissed United Airlines’ application to fly five times a week between Guam and Haneda. Application denied First reported by the Pacific Daily News, the DOT dismissed United’s request for the allocation of five weekly frequencies from the slot pair allocated to Hawaiian. United argued Hawaiian Airlines had been underusing these slots, and the company was ready to use them for the traveling public. “United’s September 25, 2023, application also included a request for allocation of five weekly frequencies from the nighttime-only slot pair allocated to Hawaiian for Kona/Honolulu-Haneda service so that United may institute service in the Guam-Haneda market (...). The Department dismissed the nighttime-only portion of United’s application and permitted Hawaiian to retain use of the full allocation of the nighttime slot pair for its authorized Kona/Honolulu-Haneda service.” This request was made at the same time United Airlines filed an application to obtain some slots Delta Air Lines returned and employ them to institute daily Houston-Tokyo Haneda service. Hawaiian now must use these slots United Airways argued that Hawaiian Airlines had been underusing the nighttime slots to serve the Kona/Honolulu-Haneda market. Moreover, Hawaiian had failed to publish solid plans to use the slots by the October 29 deadline. Despite the Department of Transportation dismissing United’s request, the DOT left the door open for United to access these slots in the future. Hawaiian is now forced to provide proof that it is actually using the five nighttime slots from Tokyo Haneda. As reported by the Pacific Daily News, “It is not the Department’s policy to permit valuable operating rights to remain unused, particularly when another carrier has plans to use them.” Currently, United Airlines flies from Guam to Tokyo Narita (NRT), located further outside the city center. It operates 25 weekly flights, averaging between three and four daily. United Airlines also flies from Guam to Fukuoka (daily), Osaka Kansai (ten times a week), and Nagoya (11 times a week). What about the Houston-Tokyo Haneda slots? United Airlines was also interested in flying daily from Houston to Tokyo Haneda. It planned to start this service as quickly as December 1, 2023. Simultaneously, American Airlines filed an application for the same Delta Air Lines slots to commence daily year-round nonstop service between New York JFK and Tokyo Haneda. Due to the fact that both companies are applying for the same slot pair, the DOT is instituting a comparative selection procedure. It expects to allocate the slot pair in the next 90 days, with the petitions for reconsideration due on November 7 and the following procedural schedule for these submissions taking place from November 9 to November 21 (this includes answers to petitions, amendments, supplements, answers, and replies). The DOT argued, “Our principal objective in this proceeding will be to maximize public benefits. In this regard, the Department will consider which proposal will most likely result in service that best meets the needs of the traveling and shipping public.” Additionally, the DOT will consider the effects of each service proposal on the overall competitive environment, including effects on the market structure and on competition in the US-Japan market. https://simpleflying.com/united-states-dot-denies-united-airlines-request-guam-tokyo-route/ Airbus Is Filling an 8,000 Airplane Backlog Amid Strong Demand The tallest order Airbus has ever faced is making planes more sustainable. But a top Airbus exec is optimistic. Airbus is racing to meet strong global demand — with the aim of delivering 720 planes this year. But in the long run, it will have to fight for share because of a growing rivalry with China’s manufacturers. “We have a huge backlog, 8,000 airplanes at this point — and goes into the future,” said Airbus Americas Chairman and CEO Jeff Knittel. “Demand is exceptionally strong, both on single aisle and widebody.” Knittel — speaking at the Skift Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday — attributed the demand to industry growth and shorter replacement cycles for older aircraft. The Airbus Americas chairman said they’ve improved their delivery times for aircraft since the pandemic. They’ve also improved their supply chain partnerships. Sustainable Fuel as a Priority Sustainability, not faster travel, is being prioritized by Airbus. Knittel also doesn’t expect supersonic planes like the Concorde to “have a huge market.” “Our focus is sustainability,” said Knittel. “If you’re focused on sustainability, then having an airplane with fewer seats, flying faster, which is a big advantage, we’re going toward more an approach of density,” said Knittel. Airbus is putting its investment into building hydrogen-powered planes to achieve carbon neutrality. The aircraft company aims to have a hydrogen airplane in service by 2035. Airbus is investing in sustainable aviation fuel as it converts its fleets to hydrogen. “The key for us today is hydrogen,” he said. “We’re putting in a lot of effort and money into hydrogen.” Autonomous Flights On the topic of autonomous airline travel, pilots aren’t going anywhere. Airbus flew its widebody A350 without a pilot controlling it. Even though the flight was a success, Knittell said pilots would be on the flights for safety supervision purposes and to reassure the public. Cybersecurity Threats on the Rise As the aviation industry undergoes digitalization, Airbus is spending a “huge amount” of money and time on cybersecurity. “Cyberattackers, they are pretty innovative, so we have to continue to invest in not only Airbus but the supply chain,” said Knittell. Rivalry from China’s Planemakers On the topic of Chinese air manufacturers, Knittel said not to underestimate them. Chinese plane makers are producing their first plane: Comac C919. The challenge is not only building an airplane but the system to support it, said Knittell. Chinese manufacturers will likely sell to Chinese airlines first, then sell to companies that have countertrade with China, a 15-20 year process, said Knittell. Once finished, they will be in a position to be more competitive on a global basis. “It’s going to be a process, but the Chinese have been known for their patience,” he said. https://skift.com/2023/11/01/airbus-is-filling-8000-airplane-backlog-amid-strong-demand/ IndiGo Expects Grounding Of 35 Aircraft In Q4 Due To P&W Engine Issue • IndiGo already has nearly 40 aircraft on the ground due to other issues with the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines • IndiGo Expects Grounding Of 35 Aircraft In Q4 Due To P&W Engine Issue • IndiGo said it will continue to work with P&W on more information and addressing the situation New Delhi: IndiGo on Tuesday said it expects at least 35 planes to be grounded due to powder metal issue with the Pratt & Whitney engines during the March quarter next year. The country's largest airline already has nearly 40 aircraft on the ground due to other issues with the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines. The carrier, which had a fleet of 334 planes at the end of September, will face capacity issues due to the significant number of grounded aircraft in the March quarter even as various measures are being taken to address the situation. "We have recently received additional information on the powder metal issue from Pratt & Whitney and based on our preliminary assessment of this, we anticipate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) in the range of mid-thirties in the fourth quarter (Jan-Mar2024) due to accelerated engine removals. These groundings will be incremental to the current AOGs," IndiGo said in a statement. Earlier this year, P&W highlighted the impact of the powder metal issue that has affected its new generation GTF aircraft engine. "Globally, we understand that a large number of incremental engines ranging between 600-700 are being removed for accelerated inspections and shop visits between 2023 and 2026 and two-thirds of these engine removals are planned for 2023 and early 2024," IndiGo said. Going forward, the airline said it will continue to work with P&W on more information and addressing the situation and implementing mitigation measures to minimise the impact of these AOGs on its capacity in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal and beyond. "We also confirm our earlier capacity guidance for the entire FY23-24 'in the North of mid-teens' significantly aided by proactive mitigation measures taken earlier by IndiGo... IndiGo also remains confident in meeting its long-term capacity guidance," the statement said. While announcing its September quarter results on November 3, IndiGo said it was in constant touch with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to navigate the challenges related to aircraft. "We have taken a whole range of measures... in living up to our capacity guidance of north of mid-teens (for this fiscal)," IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said on November 3. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com Among the mitigation measures are taking planes on wet lease, retaining ceo aircraft and also leasing additional ceo planes from the secondary market. https://www.ndtv.com/business/indigo-expects-grounding-of-35-aircraft-in-q4-due-to-p-4555349 Aeromexico Raises Safety Measures and Efficiency of Operations with AI-Powered IBM Technology • The airline adopted a technology developed by IBM and implemented by Xatrix that helps to anticipate the impact of weather events in their operations. Mexico City, November 7, 2023 - Aeromexico is using IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite, a tool to monitor, anticipate, plan, and respond to the potential impact of extreme weather events on air operations, designed to raise safety measures and the efficiency of their operations for the benefit of its customers and employees. The technology was implemented by Xatrix, the Mexican consultancy company and IBM Business Partner. The technology, powered by Artificial Intelligence, allows the airline to perform informed climate risk analysis and provides weather information and geospatial data for the more than 100 routes it operates in Mexico and around the world. It also issues alerts that allow us to consider current and expected conditions such as wind, rain, and lightning, among other phenomena, to help improve operational decisions in flight planning. The adverse weather conditions affecting business are on the rise and, in fact, the Global Economic Forum's 2023 Global Risks Report, suggests that extreme weather events and natural disasters are seen as the second-most serious overall global risk of the next few years. "The future of business and the environment are deeply connected, and technology is allowing a greater understanding of climate and how it can impact businesses, " said Manuel Gonzalez del Yerro, Sustainability Software Leader for IBM Latin America. He added: "For us, Aeromexico's trust in IBM technologies to help them manage climate risk is a source of pride, putting safety measures and efficiency above all else and anticipating adverse atmospheric events." Diego Convalia, Aeromexico's Vice President of Technical Flight Operations, commented: " This technology complements the most modern aircrafts like the ones we have, the expertise of our crews and the air traffic control technology and services of the countries where we operate”. And continued: “this technology helps us in decisions for takeoffs, landings, flight routes and ground operations, which contributes to elevate flying to be an extraordinary experience.” About Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V., is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in commercial and cargo aviation in Mexico, training, assistance, and maintenance, as well as the control of its passenger loyalty program: Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeromexico Cargo, Aeromexico Formacion, Aeromexico Servicios and Aeromexico Rewards. The company is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 23rd anniversary and serves 184 countries with its 19 SkyTeam airline partners. About Xatrix Technologies Xatrix Technologies is a highly specialized technology consulting company in the design and development of tailor-made solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers. With over two decades of market experience, Xatrix has demonstrated excellence in implementing and integrating solutions in key areas, such as B2B Collaboration, Blockchain Transparent Supply, Cloud, Sustainability and Weather Data. Since its founding, Xatrix has stood out for addressing challenges of high complexity and specialization, consistently exceeding its clients’ expectations. This focus on excellence and goal compliance has led to Xatrix gaining recognition from both its allies and its competitors in the technology sector. For more information, visit https://xatrix.mx https://newsroom.ibm.com/2023-11-07-Aeromexico-Raises-Safety-Measures-and-Efficiency-of-Operations-with-AI-Powered-IBM-Technology AIRLINES DRAW PILOTS FROM BUSINESS AVIATION PRIVATE OPERATORS UNDER PRESSURE Big salaries, signing bonuses, and a strong recruiting presence at aviation colleges have more new pilots than ever flocking to the major airlines, while private business aviation faces a challenging new reality. Hiring at the major airlines is on track to outpace last year’s record pilot hiring, with almost 10,000 pilots hired by the major airlines year to date. According to Chief Advisor and Executive Editor at Future and Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA) Timothy Genc, the industry is on pace to hit 13,400 pilots hired by year-end. Genc added that the industry is still shy of being able to staff all of the aircraft currently parked. JSfirm.com saw a boost in job seeker traffic compared to this time last year with a 21.2-percent increase in applications and a 40.8-percent increase in new memberships. These job seekers run the gamut from recent graduates to experienced executives and represent every category of the aviation industry. Companies are still competing to attract talent with 19.7 percent more companies advertising their open positions and total jobs posted up 16.7 percent compared to 2022. Incentives are still at an all-time high and JSfirm.com is confirming relocation and sign-on bonuses up to $175,000 for pilots. Ultra -low-cost carriers (ULC) have seen a decrease in hiring and training, according to FAPA. A memo from Spirit Airlines, which plans to merge with JetBlue, announced the company was suspending all hiring and new pilot and flight attendant training because of a disappointing third quarter and the expected grounding of dozens of Airbus aircraft over the next year for inspections of geared turbofan engines made by Pratt & Whitney. FAPA also noted that Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier airlines are all talking about offering voluntary leave for cabin crewmembers. For some pilots, corporate aviation gig work is the answer. Owen Leipelt, a corporate pilot, enjoys the experience he gains getting to fly various types of aircraft to locations all over the world and recommends pilots interested in corporate aviation attend networking events like the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition to learn more about available career opportunities. “Corporate aviation is all about networking,” Leipelt said. “Saying yes to every opportunity and putting yourself out there. It can be as lucrative as you make it with some incredible experiences you cannot get at the airlines! If you are looking to build time for the airlines, it can also be a great steppingstone gaining valuable experience outside the traffic pattern and up in the flight levels.” Leipelt is not alone viewing business aviation as a "steppingstone”, and that has increased the pressure on fractional-ownership operator NetJets, amplifying the challenge of attracting and retaining pilot talent. Private and business aviation was once widely viewed as a career to keep until retirement, but that dynamic has shifted. “Private and business aviation never used to be an entry-level jet job, but that’s exactly what it is right now because there aren’t as many pilots and the biggest thing that they can do to compete with that airline lifestyle is quality of life,” Genc said. “But for the person that absolutely wants to go to the majors or wants to go the jet route who does not want to be a flight instructor, some of these private and business aviation or cargo carriers are really attractive to them.” Genc added that private and business operators need to be more proactive about attracting talent, like approaching colleges to recruit and showcasing why corporate flight departments and fractional ownership operations are a great place to work. Director of Graduate Services at California Aeronautical University Raschel Grant said that only about 6 percent of the school's graduates over the past five years have taken jobs in business aviation. "The majority of our graduates are working for the airlines,” Grant said. “I think we’re seeing so little movement towards business aviation because corporate opportunities are underrepresented,” Grant continued. “We’d love to be able to better promote these opportunities on campus and provide our students clear pathways to all sectors of aviation." According to Sheryl Barden, president and CEO of Aviation Personnel International, many charter companies are hiring lower-time pilots than they used to. Where business aviation jobs traditionally required 3,000 hours and an airline transport pilot certificate, “… now we’re looking at perhaps bringing people in younger. Not as a solution to the pilot shortage but more as a well-rounding for the flight department, keeping the flight department multi-generational. "Bringing in newer low-time pilots, according to Barden, means more work to make sure the newer pilot is successful—something that NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), the union representing NetJets pilots, says NetJets, the largest fractional private business carrier, is struggling with. Clare Carey, a pilot at NetJets and member of the union negotiating committee, said, “A huge problem that we’re facing right now is while they [NetJets] have chosen to lower the minimums in order to recruit, they have not updated their training footprint to better prepare these young aviators with low time for the high paced dynamic environment that is working for NetJets. And then on top of that, these low time pilots come here with the plan to earn their time and move on…” NetJets provided a written statement in response to questions: “In the U.S., NetJets has hired more than 600 aviators this year alone. With plans to welcome additional pilots through the end of 2023, NetJets is on track to reach its established pilot hiring goal. Aviators who join NetJets remain with NetJets, with over 90 [percent] staying year after year and often referring their peers.” Another trend in business aviation Barden mentioned is in pilot retention. Some companies are implementing retention initiatives like higher pay; retention bonuses; and long-term incentives like stock grants, equity, restricted stop options, and more. NBAA‘s new compensation survey reported a 12-percent increase in pay for pilots and a 7.22-percent increase in overall business aviation positions from 2022 to 2023; pay for aviation managers who do not fly and senior flight attendants decreased. The survey also found “the average captain received long-term retention bonuses of around $27,000 per year.” The NJASAP Negotiating Committee published a bargaining update to its membership in October that reported a negotiation breakdown. NJASAP President Pedro Leroux told AOPA in an email, “Obviously, NJASAP is exceedingly frustrated by the company’s refusal to make competitive adjustments like market-rate wages and quality of life to the current collective bargaining agreement. To assume a position that does absolutely nothing to position the Fractional to retain experienced aviators amid the most competitive environment for pilot labor in a generation—and whilst attempting to support a growth plan that would double the size of the fleet—is mystifying. Plainly stated, we view the company’s head-in-the-sand posture as a strategic mistake that compromises the brand’s continued status as the global leader in private air transportation.” With salary negotiations at NetJets stalled, NJASAP told AOPA in an interview that the company has seen attrition rates nearly double, from around 4 percent to over 7 percent this year. NetJets did not directly address pilot retention rates in its written statement. ”With an unmatched scale and operations excellence, NetJets, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has resolute financial strength and stability," the company said. "NetJets is uniquely able to sustain ongoing responsible growth that supports its team members and elevates the travel experience of its customers.” Conversely, Kenn Ricci, principal of Directional Aviation Capital, the parent company of fractional carrier Flexjet, told Robb Report, “It cost us $30 million to raise our pilots’ salaries. We’ll have to do that regularly to stay competitive in the marketplace.” https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/november/07/airlines-draw-pilots-from-business-aviation Kern Raises Key Issues at Bombardier Safety Standdown • The free Safety Standdown attracted hundreds of bizav professionals • At today's Bombardier Safety Standdown, business aviation safety expert Tony Kern adopted the role of a visitor from the future, sent to warn the industry about possible dangers as experienced flight crews age out of the cockpit, leaving less experienced pilots to step up. November 7, 2023 Launching this year’s Bombardier Safety Standdown today, Convergent Performance founder Tony Kern brought his unique perspective to a packed audience of business aviation professionals. Wearing a shiny suit that looked like something George Jetson would have worn during the animated television show of the 1960s, Kern claimed to have beamed into the Standdown from the future, showing up on the stage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita, Kansas, to pass along warnings about what’s happening in business aviation safety. Business aviation is facing a critical moment, Kern noted, with many professionals poised to retire and preparing to relinquish their roles to younger generations. “We are undergoing a huge, massive handoff,” he said. “Safety concerns are increasing because of our business aviation accident rates,” Kern said. “Staffing issues are critical. It’s tough right now getting good people, getting any people. “The only time you get bad pilots is when you need them really bad. We have to be careful of our standards. As wisdom ages out, the experience base, the wisdom, and the judgment of that group needs to be picked up faster.” Kern also pointed out that mental health problems are “cancers of the mind” that we need to address, both by inoculating against them and asking for help. “If you get cancer and don’t seek help, you die. We have to be ready for action.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-11-07/kern-raises-key-issues-bombardier-safety-standdown These Are the World’s Safest Airlines The good news is, there’s never been a safer time to fly. Qantas airplane wing above clouds The world’s safest airlines are ranked using a seven-point rating system that takes into factors such as accident rates, safety audits, and the age of the fleet. Amid all the recent headlines about aviation safety lapses and a troubling rise in close calls, it’s easy to forget that commercial air travel has never been safer. In fact, fatal crashes on a commercial jet plane are extremely rare, thanks in large part to major innovations in aircraft technology and crew training over the years (often prompted by major accidents, such as TWA 800 and Air France 447). In 2022, there were only five fatal accidents among 32.2 million flights, down from seven in 2021 and an improvement on the five-year average for 2018 through 2022, which was also seven, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). When compared with driving, air travel is hands down the safer way to get from point A to point B. In 2022, while there were 158 fatalities from airplane crashes globally, there were nearly 43,000 fatalities resulting from road accidents in the United States alone. “Flying is among the safest activities in which a person can engage,” stated IATA director general Willie Walsh. He added, “But even though the risk of flying is exceptionally low, it is not risk-free. Careful analysis of the trends that are emerging even at these very high levels of safety is what will make flying even safer.” For instance, not all airlines and governments have the same high level of vigilance when it comes to safety practices. Walsh cited turboprop operations in Africa and Latin America as a special area of concern. Experts say that having a set of strong regulations in place is essential. “Countries that have serious government oversight, and whose airlines closely monitor pilot performance and maintenance for problems that occur, have an accident rate that is outstanding,” says John Goglia, an aviation consultant and former member of the National Transportation Safety Board. For those who want to ensure they’re flying with the safest carrier, here’s how the world’s airlines stack up. How the world’s safest airlines are ranked Each year, the Australian aviation safety and product review site, AirlineRatings.com, ranks the world’s safest airlines based on a seven-point rating system. The company monitors 385 airlines worldwide and its methodology takes into account factors that include accidents that have occurred in the past five years, serious incidents (those with the potential for a catastrophic outcome) in the past two years, public and private safety audits, and the age of the fleet. A carrier’s ranking also considers the number of passengers flown and the number of sectors (each takeoff and landing), which tends to favor airlines that operate a high proportion of long-haul flights. “All airlines have incidents every day, and many are aircraft or engine manufacturing problems, not airline operational problems. It is how the flight crew handles these incidents that determine a good airline from an unsafe one,” Geoffrey Thomas, editor in chief of AirlineRatings.com, said in releasing the 2023 list earlier this year. In 2023, the world’s safest airlines ranking is once again topped by Australian flag carrier Qantas (which ranked No. 1 in seven out of the past nine years—the rankings were first released in 2013) and Air New Zealand, another perennial top-ranked carrier. Of the top 20, 5 are major U.S. airlines, with the rest hailing from Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The world’s safest airlines 1. Qantas Qantas Airlines—the name is an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service—was founded on November 16, 1920, in Queensland, Australia. And in the jet age it has had an enviable, virtually accident-free record, earning it the “world’s safest airline” crown year after year, a stat that became widely known due to the movie Rain Man (in which Dustin Hoffman plays an autistic savant, Raymond Babbit, who cites Qantas as the safest airline to justify his refusal to fly any other). The airline’s fleet consists of 125 aircraft with an average age of around 12 years—the global average is currently about 16 years. 2. Air New Zealand The Kiwi flag carrier has held on to its position at the top of the list, not just for its exemplary safety record but also because it operates a high proportion of ultra-long flights, including the nonstop New York–Auckland flights it launched earlier this year. The airline started in 1947 as an operator of seaplanes to Australia; the government transformed it into its national airline in the 1960s. It flies to 22 domestic destinations and 26 international destinations in more than 15 countries. 3. Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi–based Etihad Airways is one of the younger airlines on the list; founded in 2003, it currently flies to more than 80 destinations on five continents. The airline operates 90 aircraft, with an average age of seven years; it’s also known for its luxurious business- and first-class cabins, including separate “apartments.” 4. Qatar Airways Doha-based Qatar Airways is, like other carriers of neighboring Gulf states, known for its long-haul flights, such as its 16.5-hour nonstop to Houston from Doha. It was founded in 1993 and operates 255 aircraft to 160 destinations, with what it claims is one of the world’s youngest fleets with an average age of around five years. 5. Singapore Airlines Singapore is known for the high quality of its inflight service—the carrier routinely wins “world’s best airline” in passenger surveys, so it’s no surprise it would be ranked highly where safety practices are concerned, too. Founded in 1972, it flies 152 aircraft with an average age of around seven years to 75 destinations. Its network includes the world’s longest route, New York to Singapore, which currently holds the title with 19.5 hours of flying time. 6. TAP Air Portugal The Portuguese flag carrier (TAP stands for “Transportes Aeroes Portugueses”) debuted 77 years ago, connecting its home country with far-flung nations, including former colonial outposts in Brazil, Mozambique, and elsewhere. It now flies to more than 80 destinations worldwide, via a mix of 84 narrow- and wide-bodied aircraft with an average age of 11.5 years. 7. Emirates With its monster hub in Dubai and the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A380s, including 100 double-decker wide-bodies, Emirates is a dominant player in the long-distance league. It also operates 134 Boeing 777s, more than any other scheduled airline. The average age of its entire fleet is only about eight years. Founded in 1985, Emirates flies to 133 destinations on six continents. 8. Alaska Airlines From its humble beginnings 91 years ago as an Anchorage-based puddle jumper named McGee Airways, Alaska Airlines has morphed into the fifth largest carrier in the USA following its 2016 acquisition of Virgin America. The airline has continued to modernize and update its fleet, which includes 221 Boeing 737s with an average age of 9.8 years and a smaller number of Embraer 75s that are less than five years old on average. It is the highest ranked U.S. airline on the global airline safety ratings list. 9. EVA Airlines Taiwan’s international airline has earned a loyal following for its reliability, customer service, and, of course, its livery featuring Hello Kitty and other eye-catching cartoon characters. Founded in 1989, it has 86 planes with an average age of 8.5 years. 10. Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia These two carriers share the Virgin brand but otherwise have little in common: Virgin Atlantic is known for its scarlet-hued planes and hip vibe, and it operates a long-distance network out of the U.K. with a wide-body fleet of Airbus and Boeing models with an average aircraft age of just under seven years. Following a pandemic-era reorganization, Virgin Australia now operates a fleet of narrow-body jets, mostly 737-800s, that average around 11.5 years on a largely domestic route system. The remaining safest airlines in the world Beyond the top 10 safest airlines in the world listed above, here are the airlines that round out the top 20 list. 11. Cathay Pacific Airways 12. Hawaiian Airlines 13. SAS 14. United Airlines 15. Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian, Brussels, Swiss) 16. Finnair 17. British Airways 18. KLM 19. American Airlines 20. Delta Air Lines https://www.afar.com/magazine/worlds-safest-airlines CALENDAR OF EVENTS • CHC Safety & Quality Summit 2023: November 14 – 16, 2023 • 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference - March 21-23 (Orlando) • 2024 ACSF Safety Symposium – Air Charter Safety Foundation - April 1-3, 2024 • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) Curt Lewis