Qantas almost achieved the top spot in aviation safety rankings but fell short due to its older planes. The airline is currently waiting for new aircraft to replace its aging fleet.
Air New Zealand secured the top spot on Airline Ratings’ list of the safest airlines globally for the second consecutive year. The airline surpassed Qantas in 2024 to claim the coveted position.
Virgin Australia came in at fourth on the list, however three airlines tied in third place.
Qantas last topped the list in 2023 and its second-place ranking over the last two years has been attributed to an ageing fleet.
According to Sydney University professor and aviation expert Rico Merkert, Qantas’ older fleet is a significant factor in missing out on the top safety ranking. Merkert highlighted that some of Qantas’ older aircraft encountered recent issues, contributing to this outcome.
‘That said, if maintained well, older aircraft can also be incredibly safe,’ he added.
Airline Ratings chief executive Sharon Petersen said there was not much difference between the top-ranking airlines.
‘Whilst both airlines uphold the highest safety standards and pilot training, Air New Zealand continue to have a younger fleet than Qantas, which separates the two,’ she said.
Virgin’s ranking largely came down to having a smaller fleet and operating fewer flights.
Airline Ratings’ boss said there was not much difference between the top-ranking airlines’ safety
Qantas might regain top spot on the coming year’s ranking as new planes enter service as part of fleet renewal that began in 2023Â
‘Between Qantas, Emirates, Qatar, Cathay and Virgin, there’s less than a point separating it, it’s minuscule,’ Ms Petersen said.
Griffith University aviation management lecturer Bojana Spasojevic said fleet age did not directly correlate with safety.
While newer planes could boost passenger confidence, comprehensive maintenance and safety protocols remained crucial.
‘However, passengers often perceive newer aircraft as safer and more comfortable, which can enhance their overall travel experience,’ Dr Spasojevic said.
‘Safety perceptions significantly influence passenger choices … sometimes even over cost considerations.’
Qantas-owned Jetstar also took out second place in the ranking for safest low-cost airlines, behind Cathay Pacific-owned Hong Kong Express.
A Qantas group spokesperson said both airlines were committed to safety as a top priority.
‘The whole aviation industry is focused on ensuring flying remains the safest way to travel through continual learning and improvement,’ they said.
Airline Ratings uses fleet age and size, pilot skill and training, serious recent incidents, fatalities and profitability alongside other factors to determine its rankings.
Qantas might regain top spot on the coming year’s ranking as new planes enter service as part of fleet renewal that began in 2023.
The airline’s program includes several models of Airbus aircraft as well as more long-haul Boeing 787 planes.
Procuring planes was an expensive and prolonged process, and manufacturers faced backlogs with many airlines competing for newer aircraft in a bid to lower emissions with more fuel-efficient models, Prof Merkert said.
Ms Petersen said air travel was one of the safest modes of transport but it also had the most nervous passengers, partly because crashes – like those in Kazakhstan and South Korea that killed more than 200 people in late December – attracted global attention.
‘When things go wrong, everyone knows about it,’ she said.
