The world has never looked the same again! Air travel has shrunk the world and has brought about a revolutionary change across the globe! It has connected nations across the world that would have never been reachable otherwise, and shown us a new, unseen and glorious view of our earth. With the advent of human flight, our power of movement has escalated. Be it to travel & experience new countries, to do business or visit friends and family, air travel has enhanced our vision as well. Air travel is today considered as one of the safest modes of travel!
Check out the top 20 safest airlines in the world for 2022, as per studies published by top notch aviation portals like airlineratings.com. The portal rates 385 worldwide carriers in terms of airlines safety including crashes in the past five years, serious incidents over two years, audits from aviation governing bodies, inflight products, government audits, fleet age, and COVID policies. However, not all air incidents are the fault of the airline carrier but rather the defect of the aircraft or the engine manufacturer. Nevertheless, it is how the flight crew handles these incidents that differentiate a good airline from an unsafe one in terms of safety.
Here’s a rundown from qatarloving.com. Just read on…
With its constant innovation and industry leadership, Air New Zealand is rated the safest airline in the world for 2022, according to AirlineRatings.com. Carriers like Etihad Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Alaska, Eva Air and Cathay Pacific are also making the list with their high-end safety measures and technology.
There were several ranking shifts in 2022 compared to 2021, most notably were Qantas losing its position after a three-year winning streak, Southwest Airlines falling out of the top 20 after ranking number and TAP Air Portugal being named Europe's safest carrier after not making the list in 2021.
Here's a closer look at the top 20 safest airlines in the world.
1. Air New Zealand
The national flag carrier of New Zealand, ANZ serves Australia, the Pacific, Asia, and North America. After taking the number three spot in 2021 Air New Zealand has made it to the top of the list of the safest airlines in the world. The Airlines has earned this title with its superb incident record, technological innovations and cockpit advancements, comprehensive pilot training, and low fleet age, which averages just 6.8 years. The pilots of ANZ operate in harsh weather conditions and remote environments and this has augmented the carrier's safety ranking. Moreover, the ANZ also excelled in adhering to strict safety and COVID policies for the safety of its passengers and crew in the pandemic times which has allowed it to reach the top position.
2. Etihad Airways
The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is the second flag carrier of the UAE and operates across destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. The airline seeks to reflect its values of Arabian hospitality and warmth. With the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service, and efficiency of operations, Etihad Airways has made it to the 2nd position of the list of safest airlines in the world.
3. Qatar Airways
The Doha-based Qatar Airways is the national carrier of Qatar and is one of the world's fastest-growing airlines of today. It operates an extensive network of routes across the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Qatar Airways offers the highest levels of service excellence and has been listed as one of the safest airlines for several years and it was also named the second safest airline for 2021.
4. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the national flag carrier of Singapore and has maintained its number four spot in 2022. Reputed for its strong long-haul product, Singapore Airlines operates across Asia, North America, Australasia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With the least number of air incidents, Singapore Airlines is considered one of the safest airlines on earth.
5. TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal (TAP), is the national carrier of Portugal & operates routes across Europe, North America, South America, and Africa. Since1945, only one air incident has happened. TAP made its way into the top 20 list this year after not ranking in 2021. It is also reputed as Europe's safest airline for 2022. TAP Air Portugal has an excellent safety record, as it has kept its fleet young. The Airlines has always sought the best aircraft and been an early adopter of major safety advances.
6. Scandinavian Airlines
The Stockholm-based Scandinavian Airlines is better known as SAS. The carrier is the national airline of three Scandinavian nations, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Scandinavian Airlines operates routes around Europe and Scandinavia, as well as to Asia and North America. From number 16 last year, SAS jumped an impressive 10 spots in 2022. SAS adopted two new Airbus models, the A350-900XWB and A320neo in its fleet and has pledged to cut back on emissions by powering all domestic Scandinavian flights with biofuel.
7. Qantas
One of the oldest airlines in the world Qantas is still treading the victory lap even after serving 100 years. The national carrier is the biggest and most trusted airline in Australia and operates routes to New Zealand, the Americas, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. Qantas lost the crown of the world's safest airline in 2021 to Air New Zealand this year. Qantas Airlines has never had a fatal jet airliner accident since the widespread adoption of jets in civilian aviation.
8. Alaska Airlines
One of the best American airlines -Alaska Airlines is the highest-ranking US-based carrier on the top 20 list. Based in Seattle, the carrier is partnered with American Airlines and is a new Oneworld member. Alaska Airlines operates domestic flights in the US as well as international flights to Canada, Central America, and Mexico. Safety is top priority in Alaska Airlines and since the past 20 years in its aviation history, no major air disasters have happened. Alaska Airlines has maintained its number eight spot from 2021.
9. EVA Air
The Taiwanese carrier, EVA Air is based in Taipei and is the second-largest airline in the country behind China Airlines. EVA flies regional and international routes to destinations in Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Eva Air has always been at the forefront of cabin innovation like premium economy since 1992. It is considered as one of safest airlines in the world as there has been no untoward incidents ever since it commenced operations.
10. Virgin Australia/Atlantic
Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic Airlines operate under the Virgin brand but cater to separate networks. Virgin Australia is the second-largest carrier of Australia and is based in Brisbane. It operates routes across Australia, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South Africa. Virgin Atlantic is based in the UK and operates flights to North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Virgin Australia has been in the forefront of cabin innovation and adheres to strict safety guidelines in its operations. The Airlines stands 10th in position in the list of the top 20 safest airlines in the world.
11. Cathay Pacific Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways is the flag carrier airline of Hong Kong and operates regional and international flights to the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Cathay Pacific Airlines has faced air incidents 8 times in its aviation history but since 1972 there has been no untoward incidents. Cathay Pacific is one of the few airlines to have maintained a top-notch full service in-flight product and virtually flawless safety rating over the last few decades. For these reasons Cathay Pacific ranks at the 11th position amongst the safest airlines on the earth.
12. Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is the national carrier of the Hawaiian islands. A US-based airline which operates flights out of its hubs at Honolulu International Airport on O'ahu and Kahului Airport on Maui, the carrier flies around the Hawaiian islands, offers routes to the continental US, and operates international service to Asia, the Pacific, and Australia. With no untoward incidents in its airline history, Hawaiian Airlines is considered one of the safest airlines in the world.
13. American Airlines
The Dallas/Fort Worth-based airline operates an extensive domestic and international network carrying passengers to destinations in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Central America, and South America. The carrier was incorporated from the Aviation Corporation which formed into American Airlines in 1934. American Airlines was the founding member of the oneworld Alliance, and introduced SABRE in 1959. It is reputed for being the largest airline in the world and averages an incredible 6,700 flights every single day and has jumped two spots in ranking from number 15 in 2021.
14. Lufthansa Group
Lufthansa, based in Frankfurt, Germany operates one of the world’s largest, most modern and fuel-efficient air fleets in Europe. With a combination of first-class service and excellent facilities Lufthansa Group has a large international network across Europe connecting Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America, Latin America, and Africa. The carrier is part of the larger Lufthansa Group that also includes Swiss International Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Eurowings Discover.
15. Finnair
The national carrier of Finland, Helsinki-based Finnair is the largest airline in Finland. It operates a vast domestic and international network, flying regional routes in Finland and Scandinavia apart from long-haul routes to Asia, Europe, the US, and Canada. Finnair hasn’t recorded any hull loss since 1989 and has achieved a remarkable risk index of 94.7%. Finnair has continuously found its place in the list of the safest airlines in the world over the years.
16. Air France/KLM Group
A European airline holding company that was established after the two airlines Air France & KLM merged in 2004. Both airlines operate under their own individual brands, according to CAPA. Based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Air France, which is the national airline of France did not make the list in 2021 whereas KLM jumped three spots from last year. The Air France workforce is committed to offering each customer a unique travel experiences every day and places the health and safety of its customers and staff top priority in all its operations. KLM is the Dutch national carrier and has its hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
17. British Airways
British Airways fell seven spots from number 10 in 2021. BA is headquartered in England and is the flag carrier of the United Kingdom. The carrier flies to dozens of cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, operating out of three London-area airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City. British Airways has been amongst the winners for product, service, and innovation for decades & providing travellers with evidence-based solutions to make their journeys seamless.
18. Delta Air Lines
US-based Delta Air Lines dropped four spots in this year's ranking. The airline is a large international carrier, having merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008. Delta operates to destinations across the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe out of its several US hubs. No air incidents have occurred since 1985. Delta Airlines boasts 0.17 fatalities per million miles travelled. The quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service has made it one of the safe airlines in the world.
19. United Airlines
US-based United Airlines jumped one spot in 2022's safest airline list after barely making the top 20 in 2021. The airline is one of the world's largest carriers after merging with Continental Airlines in 2010 and operates a strong domestic and international network to over 120 destinations worldwide. The United Airlines has amazed the aviation world with its huge commitments to supersonic, subsonic, and electric aircraft to rejuvenate its fleet. The passengers are also offered the very best in comfort and eco-technology.
20. Emirates
After ranking number five in 2021, Emirates Airlines narrowly made it to the top 20 this year. It is one of the flag carriers of the UAE and is based in Dubai. As a fast-growing airline, Emirates flys routes within the Middle East, as well as to destinations in Africa, Asia, the South Pacific, North America, Europe, and South America. The carrier has been at the forefront of safety and operates modern, efficient and comfortable aircraft. Emirates Airlines owns the world's largest fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft and is ranked as a safe airline, with a risk index of 95.05 per cent in a JACDEC survey carried out for aviation magazine Aero International. The airlines operate modern, efficient and comfortable aircraft in all its flights to safeguard the safety of its passengers.
Now that you have had an insight into the top 20 safest airlines in the world, qatarloving.com wishes you happy flying & bon voyage!