IATA reports 2012 best in history of aviation safety

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that the 2012 global accident rate for Western-built jets was the lowest in aviation history.

The jet accident rate (measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built jets) was 0.20, the equivalent of one accident every five-million flights.

“Each day approximately 100,000 flights arrive safely at their destination,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s director general and CEO. “Airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, manufacturers and safety regulators work together to ensure every flight is as safe as possible. Their dedication and cooperation has made air travel remarkably safe.

“The first commercial airline flight took place on 1 January 1914. Since then the very first flight the airline industry has made continuous improvement in safety its top priority,” said Tyler/

IATA represents some 240 airlines comprising 84 per cent of global air traffic.

To view the complete 2012 Safety Improvements Report, visit iata.org.