If your 2024 is all about catching flights, not feelings, then it’s time to ascend into the clouds. You can do so in the utmost comfort too, by getting sky high with one of the safest airlines on the planet, as revealed in the latest annual ranking by Airline Ratings. While Air New Zealand stole back the top spot for yet another year, two Australian airlines were awarded silver and bronze.
Last year’s number one airline, Qantas, slipped into second spot by what the website called an “incredibly close” margin (a mere 1.5 point difference). The Flying Kangaroo has a solid track record for safety, having taken out the crown for eight years in a row from 2014 to 2021, and then again in 2023. So, you don’t have to like them, but you can count on them as a totally safe bet.
Coming in third place was – drumroll please – Virgin Australia, trailed by Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates. Just think of all the amazing places you could be jet-setting off to with peace of mind that you’ll get there in one piece.
To determine its rankings, Airline Ratings evaluated 385 airlines worldwide based on a seven-point rating system. Their criteria looked at the number of serious incidents, recent fatal accidents, safety initiatives, fleet age, profitability, training assessments for expert pilots, and audits by aviation governing and industry bodies. However, the evaluation made sure to omit uncontrollable events, like turbulence injuries, weather diversions, lightning strikes and bird strikes.
Along with the safety of upper-class carriers, Airline Ratings also ranked the 20 safest budget-friendly airlines for 2024. You won’t need people to wish you a “safe flight” when travelling with Jetstar, because they (shock horror) claimed the top spot. Chasing at Jetstar’s tail was easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz.
Now that you're in the know, we think it's time to book your next getaway. And if you’re scared of planes, then just remember, flying is actually way safer than driving.