The safest airlines in Russia and the world - 2024

The holiday season is approaching, which means that the demand for air carrier services will increase significantly. Fear of flying leads many travelers to choose an airline primarily based on safety ratings.

How the safety rating is calculated

Over the past 16 years, the audit company Jacdec (Germany) has been rating the safest airlines in the world. Since 2018, the Safety Risk Index has been used instead of the Safety Index used for 15 years.

To determine the indicator, the following data are considered:

• Information about incidents (accidents, disasters) over the past 30 years, taking into account the number of passengers carried and the total distance of flights. The presence of incidents that did not entail an accident during the same period of time. The number of aircraft lost that cannot be recovered.
• Various airline performance indicators, including aircraft age, safety audits by international organizations (IOSA, IKAO).
• Additional factors (condition of airport infrastructure, weather conditions).

In total, the airline safety rating formula is based on 33 points.

Top ten of the updated rating (2018):

• Emirates;
• Norwegian;
• Virgin Atlantic;
• KLM;
• Easy Jet;
• Finnair;
• Eithad Airways;
• Spirit Airlines;
• Jetstar Airways;
• Air Arabia.

The Russian company Aeroflot ranks 73rd out of 100 in this list.

Specialists of the Swiss Air Transport Agency (ATRA) believe that one of the main criteria (there are 15 in total) when compiling a safety rating should be considered the degree of training of pilots and dispatchers. According to 2014, among the leaders are Air China, Delta Air Line, Air France KLM Group, US Airways Group.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has developed its own safety and reliability rating system - the SAFA factor. To determine it, planes landing in the EU are checked on 54 points. If a certain value of the coefficient is exceeded, the airlines are taken under the special control of the European Commission. Research data are not publicly available.

How to choose an airline in terms of safety

If you are puzzled by the choice of an air carrier for the first time, information about their types and types of flights will not be superfluous.

Types of airlines

• Long-haul. They carry out flights lasting 6 hours or more.
• Medium-haul. Their route network is dominated by flights taking less than 6 hours.
• Seven discounters. They attract passengers with tickets at a lower price than that of medium-haul companies. At the same time, in-flight meals are offered for an additional fee, there are restrictions on the amount of luggage.
• Low-cost airlines. Low ticket prices are offered, excluding additional services. Thus, the cost of carrying baggage, for example, may be equal to the amount paid for the ticket.The carrier has the right to cancel any flight. When choosing a discounter company, you need to weigh the pros and cons so that the benefit from the low cost of the flight is not offset by the lack of important services for you.

Types of flights

• One way (one or more flights);
• Round trip. The journey starts and ends at the same point, goes along the same route on the aircraft of the same company.
• Round. In the opposite direction they fly in a different way or on the plane of another carrier.

Passenger service classes

• The first;
• Business Class;
• Economy class.

They differ from each other in the comfort of their seats, the size of baggage carried without payment, the quality of the menu, and the availability of additional services.

Both “classic” and low-cost air carriers have their own leaders, which are very popular with passengers, known for their reliability and level of service, leading the top lines of various ratings. If we talk about world air carriers, then these are, for example, Lufthansa, Emirates, Air France - KLM, AirNew Zeland, VirginAtlantic. When planning low-cost flights, you should pay attention to AirAsia, Ryanair, EasyJet, Germanwings, Red Wings, and Pobeda airlines.

It would be useful to get acquainted with the global airline safety rating, as well as with domestic Russian reviews and studies.

An important criterion for the safety of a carrier is the age of the aircraft, the smaller it is, the better (although with proper maintenance the aircraft can serve for many years, according to statistics, accidents occur more often with older models). For those who understand the topic, additional information for thought can be obtained by knowing the type of aircraft. For example, the Boeing-767 is designed to carry up to 240 passengers, which can be significant if you don't like a crowded society.

Rating of the safest airlines in Russia and the world

Note: the “Average Price” section provides an example of the cost of a flight to one of the popular destinations.

Russian airlines

In our country, air transportation services in Russia and the countries of the world are carried out by more than 70 companies, both private and public.

Ural Airlines

Headquarters: Yekaterinburg.

The company's aircraft fleet includes 44 airliners of various capacity, the average age of which is 12 years. The air carrier carries out intercity and international flights in 183 directions. Since the start of operations, there have been three incidents that did not result in human casualties due to the experience of the pilots. The company is IOSA certified, confirming compliance with international safety standards.

• Electronic registration;
• There is a bonus program "Wings";
• A fleet renewal program is underway;
• System of special offers;
• Aircraft maintenance on a tight schedule;
• Regular courses to improve the qualifications of pilots.

• Flight delays and cancellations;
• There are user complaints about the incorrect operation of the online ticket purchase service;
• Some passengers find small portions of food to be.

Average price: flight Moscow-Bangkok (Thailand): 22,030 rubles.

Aeroflot - Russian Airlines

Headquarters: Moscow.

The company was founded in 1923. The fleet consists of 232 aircraft (average age is 4 years). Aviation consulting company Skytrax awarded Aeroflot 4 stars for the level of service (2016). There have been only 4 accidents since the airline's operation. The route network includes destinations in Russia, the CIS and different parts of the world (including Thailand, China, Turkey, Czech Republic, Spain, popular among our compatriots).

• Aeroflot Bonus incentive program;
• Good user reviews about the professionalism of the crew and the quality of service;
• One of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world;
• Special services for people with disabilities;
• There is a possibility of pre-ordering special meals.

• There are cases of lost luggage;
• Cancellations of flights without prior notification of passengers;
• Complaints about the quality of service at the airport, the complexity of resolving controversial issues;
• Long term of response to claims.

Average price: Flight Moscow-Bangkok (Thailand) - 14 058 rubles.

S7 Airlines

Headquarters: Novosibirsk Region, Ob.

Founded in 1992 on the basis of the Tolmachevsky United Squadron. The fleet consists of 80 aircraft, the average age of which is 8 years. During the company's activity, there have been three resonant plane crashes. Carries out domestic and international flights to more than 130 destinations (CIS countries, Europe, the Middle East and Asia). After passing the appropriate procedures for compliance with security standards, the company is included in the list of IOSA operators.

• Many good reviews about the professionalism of the pilots;
• Online services;
• Frequent Flyer Program;
• Current member of IATA (International Air Transport Association);
• A wide network of flights within Russia.

• There are negative reviews about the quality of service on board.

Average price: flight Moscow-Bangkok (Thailand) - 14 083 rubles.

UTair

Headquarters: Tyumen.

The company dates back to 1967. It carries out not only passenger, but also cargo transportation, including helicopter transportation. Carries out air transportation in Russia and abroad. The air fleet includes 65 aircraft, the average age is 15.4 years. The number of accidents during the operation of the air carrier is 8, with 80 fatalities.

• Positive feedback on the professionalism of the pilots;
• Friendly service;
• Cheap tickets;
• Loyalty program Utair Status.

• There are negative reviews about the service at check-in;
• There are complaints about the work of the call-center;

Average price: Moscow-Berlin: 6 308 rubles. (standard economy).

Foreign airlines

Emirates

Headquarters: Dubai.

One of the largest airlines in the world. Started transporting people by air in 1985. The fleet includes 261 aircraft. On the Russian direction, it operates flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

• High level of service;
• New aircraft;
• Polite staff;
• Tasty food;
• Ice entertainment system;
• It is convenient to fly to Thailand.

• There are complaints from users about the loss of luggage.

Average price: flight Moscow-Barcelona - 79 340 rubles. (with a transfer in Dubai).

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Headquarters: Forneby (Oslo).

Low cost airline. The air fleet consists of 117 aircraft. Flights to Russia are carried out to St. Petersburg. In total, the itinerary list contains 120 destinations around the world connecting Europe with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa.

• New aircraft;
• Low prices;
• It is profitable to fly to Europe;
• Good level of service.

• Not found yet.

Average price: flight Riga-Barcelona - $ 258.20.

Virgin atlantic airways

The company specializes in long and medium-haul flights to 31 destinations (Africa, North America, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, Australia). The air fleet is manned by 37 aircraft.

• High level of service;
• Good food;
• Courteous staff.

• Economy class has small seats, according to some passengers.

Average price: Flight Dubai-London - 42 330 rubles. (Economy class).

KLM

Headquarters: Amsterdam.

This Dutch airline was founded in 1919 and is now part of the Air-France-KLM holding. It performs both domestic and international flights, including flies to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The company's aircraft fleet numbers 117 units. There are about 150 destinations in the route network.

• Good level of service;
• Polite staff;
• It is part of the Sky Team aviation alliance.

• There are cases of lost luggage.

Average price: Flight Moscow-Madrid (with a stopover in Amsterdam) - 17 402 rubles.

Easy Jet Airline Company Limited

Headquarters: Luton.

One of the largest low cost airlines in Europe (low cost). Founded in 1995. The air fleet includes 280 aircraft. The company's route network includes more than 600 flights.

• Cheap tickets can be purchased;
• New aircraft;
• Many flights in Europe.

• There are cases of damage to luggage;
• Meals on the way for a fee;
• Does not fly to Russia.

Average price: Flight Amsterdam - Lisbon - 77, 23 euros.

Finnair

Headquarters: Vantaa (Finland).

This Finnish airline has been operating by air since 1923. Since 1963, there have been no fatalities and no aircraft lost. The company operates domestic and international flights, including to Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Samara). The air fleet consists of 71 aircraft.

• High level of safety and reliability;
• Convenient flight schedule;
• Favorable prices with pre-purchased tickets;
• Polite flight attendants;
• When transporting an animal, you can take it to the salon.

• There is no free meal on short flights.

Average price: Flight St. Petersburg-Barcelona - 26 414 rubles.

The plane is considered the safest form of transport. Not all passengers suffer from aerophobia, but everyone probably feels different degrees of excitement during the flight. To reduce the level of anxiety, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the ratings of reliable airlines, choose, if possible, a carrier with a name and history, investing in the renewal of the air fleet and taking care of the comfort and safety of passengers.