World's Safest Commercial Airliners in 2023

When it comes to choosing a commercial airliner, safety is often a top priority. However, determining the most safest airliner can be challenging. While some airlines may achieve a perfect safety record due to fewer flights, others maintain exceptional safety through stringent maintenance and regulatory compliance. Here, we explore the airlines that have consistently demonstrated excellence in safety and reliability.

Setting the Record Straight: Safety vs. Reliability

It's crucial to differentiate between safety and reliability. Asking “Which are the most dangerous” makes more sense in this context. An airline might be deemed “safe,” but if it doesn’t serve your desired destinations, that safety is irrelevant. Similarly, a ferry might be a safer option than an airline known for frequent incidents.

What Does "Safest" Mean?

The concept of "safest" is nuanced. A small airline with zero crashes might not have a lousy safety and maintenance system but simply not enough flights for incidents to occur. Conversely, a large airline might have some crashes despite excellent practices due to sheer volume of flights and years of operation. The safety of commercial aviation continually improves as investigative and regulatory bodies identify root causes and implement preventive measures.

Leading the Way: Most Experienced Pilots

The airline with the most experienced pilots is a key factor in determining safety. Here are some airlines that stand out:

Qantas: Widely acknowledged for its exceptional safety record, Qantas has operated large numbers of flights for decades without a hull loss during the jet era. However, Qantas does not operate flights from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, which is a significant limitation. British Airways: British Airways hasn’t had a fatal accident in the last 39 years, a remarkable achievement. This includes a period when they operated a subsidiary, British Airtours, for which the error was attributed to air traffic control, not the airline's practices.

Interestingly, many other airlines, such as Air Berlin, Air Europa, and AirTran Airways, have never experienced a fatal accident.

Top 10 Safest Airlines Worldwide

In a comprehensive analysis, the website evaluates 409 major airlines in 2018 based on various factors, including previous incidents, the average age of their fleets, and government and industry audits. Here are the top 10 safest airlines:

1. Air New Zealand 2. Alaska Airlines 3. All Nippon Airways 4. British Airways 5. Cathay Pacific Airways 6. Emirates 7. Etihad Airways 8. EVA Air 9. Finnair 10. Hawaiian Airlines

These airlines have consistently demonstrated a high level of safety and reliability, making them popular choices among passengers. Their commitment to maintenance and regulatory compliance ensures that they can continue to serve their large customer bases with minimal risk.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Airliner

While the safest airline might not necessarily be the one that serves your specific route, the goal of improving safety in commercial aviation is universally shared. Regardless of the airline, the focus on safety and reliability is crucial. Choosing an airline with a proven track record ensures that you are prioritizing your travel experience and safety.

Whether you prefer Qantas, British Airways, or one of the top 10 safest airlines, the key is to choose an airline that aligns with your needs and destinations. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free flying experience, knowing that your safety is a top priority.