Aviation

Top 25 Safest Airlines In 2024

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In an era where air travel has become an integral part of global connectivity, safety remains the paramount concern for both frequent flyers and occasional passengers alike. As we usher in the year 2024, discerning travelers seek reassurance in choosing airlines with impeccable safety records.

In this dynamic landscape of aviation, advancements in technology, rigorous safety protocols, and a commitment to passenger well-being set certain airlines apart. This article delves into the realm of aviation safety. According to the Airline Ratings, we have listed some of the top 25 safest airlines for 2024.

Air New Zealand
Qantas
Virgin Australia
Etihad Airways
Qatar Airways
Emirates
All Nippon Airways
Finnair
Cathay Pacific Airways
Alaska Airlines

SAS, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa/Swiss Group, KLM, Japan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, Air Canada Group and United Airlines.

Air New Zealand and Qantas have emerged as standout performers, leading the way in safety, innovation, and the introduction of cutting-edge aircraft. The competition between the two airlines was incredibly tight, with only a 1.50-point difference. Ultimately, Qantas secured the top spot, edging ahead due to its slightly younger fleet.

Notably, the Qantas Group has initiated its most extensive fleet renewal to date, placing substantial orders for the A220, A320, A321, A350, and 787. These state-of-the-art aircraft are set to be delivered over the next three years, reinforcing Qantas‘ commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.

Aviation

Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights

An Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation recently revealed that a Qantas A380 operated 34 flights with a 1.25-meter nylon tool lodged in one of its engines.

This turning tool, used during borescope inspections to rotate the intermediate-pressure compressor, was left behind during scheduled maintenance at Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It remained inside the engine until it was discovered by maintenance staff during a subsequent check at Los Angeles on January 1, 2024.

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The ATSB report highlights two critical lapses. First, maintenance engineers failed to notice the tool during final checks for foreign objects after the borescope inspection. Second, the lost tool procedure was not activated when the tool was identified as missing.

The certifying engineer ultimately cleared the aircraft for service without accounting for the misplaced tool. During the time qantas films the tool was inside, the A380 completed 34 flight cycles, accumulating nearly 294 hours without any noticeable effect on engine performance.

Although the tool was deformed by high-energy airflow within the engine, there was no reported damage to the engine itself. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell commented.

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“This incident underscores the importance of following established maintenance protocols. Engineers missed the tool during foreign object checks, and the required lost tool procedure wasn’t started after realizing the tool was missing.”

Following the investigation, the airline issued a safety directive, urging all engineering and tool storage teams to adhere strictly to these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A qantas spokesperson stated, “While the tool didn’t impact engine performance, we take this incident very seriously. It is critical to follow the correct lost tool procedures.”