Asia Pacific Maintains Excellent Aviation Safety Record

The air transport industry maintained its excellent safety record in 2009, making it one of the safest years in aviation history, and further reinforcing the fact that flying is the safest form of travel.

Globally, for the year 2009 as a whole, there were 12 major accidents involving large western-built commercial jets, 9 of which resulted in a total of 414 fatalities. The number of major accidents was 25% fewer than the average for recent years. With over twenty five million commercial flights operating annually worldwide, the result reflects an average loss rate of one major accident for every two million flights.

There was only one major accident involving a carrier based in the Asia Pacific region, the loss of a BAe146 freighter with six crew members in April 2009 in Indonesia.

A review of all major accidents that occurred worldwide in 2009 indicates that one third involved freighter aircraft; one third occurred during the approach and landing phase; and one quarter were due to runway over-runs. In particular, the occurrence of a number of incidents involving loss of control, rather than mechanical failure, has highlighted potential new risk factors relating to the operation of highly automated aircraft systems and contributory human factors. Further analysis points towards the need to reinforce safety management systems and training in the relevant operational areas.

Commenting on the industry’s safety performance, Mr. Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) said, “Flying is recognised as the safest form of travel, and maintaining the industry’s excellent safety record is always our number one priority. The major Asia Pacific airlines are amongst the safest in the world, with levels of safety performance fully comparable to their counterparts in Europe and North America. Nevertheless, there is never any room for complacency, and we must maintain our efforts to further enhance safety performance.”

“In 2010, AAPA will continue to work with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to further strengthen regulatory oversight and safety management procedures, to meet the expected future growth in travel demand. Safety is founded on close collaboration. As part of these efforts, AAPA will be organising an Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar (APASS 2010) in Manila, Philippines in September 2010,” Mr Herdman added.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Flights, Codeshare, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Videos, AAPA, Airport Security