With a rigorous evaluation of 385 airlines, Airline Ratings tailored their rating system to accommodate the diverse nature of low-cost, regional, and full-service carriers. In the latest rankings, Air New Zealand secured the top spot for the safest full-service airline, closely followed by Qantas. Additionally, Hong Kong Express was named the safest low-cost airline.
The competition for the top spot was intense, with Air New Zealand and Qantas neck-and-neck, only separated by 1.50 points. Factors such as fleet age and pilot training were critical in determining the rankings. The tie for third place among Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates was due to their identical scores across various safety parameters.
Last year, Air New Zealand ranked fourth among premium airlines, while Jetstar was recognized as the safest low-cost airline. In a previous assessment in 2023, Air New Zealand was hailed as the top airline globally, emphasizing its commitment to safety and innovation.
To evaluate airlines, Airline Ratings considered nine key criteria tailored to each airline category, including fleet age, incidents, profitability, pilot training, and safety certifications. The world’s safest full-service airlines included Air New Zealand, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, among others. On the other hand, the safest low-cost airlines featured Hong Kong Express, Jetstar Group, Ryanair, and others.
By prioritizing safety, Air New Zealand continues to set the benchmark for airline excellence, providing travelers with peace of mind and reliability for their journeys.
