The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, revealing a year of robust overall aviation safety performance, albeit with notable fluctuations compared to 2023. While long-term trends demonstrate continuous improvement, the report highlights the critical need to address emerging risks, particularly in conflict zones.
Key Findings:
- Accident Rate: The all-accident rate was 1.13 per million flights (one accident per 880,000 flights), surpassing the five-year average of 1.25 but slightly higher than the exceptional 1.09 recorded in 2023.
- Fatal Accidents and Fatalities: There were seven fatal accidents on 40.6 million flights, resulting in 244 onboard fatalities. This represents an increase from the single fatal accident and 72 fatalities in 2023 and also exceeds the five-year average of five fatal accidents and 144 fatalities.
- Fatality Risk: Despite the increase in fatal accidents, the fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average of 0.10, though double the 0.03 recorded in 2023.
- IOSA Impact: Airlines registered with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) demonstrated a significantly lower accident rate of 0.92 per million flights compared to 1.70 for non-IOSA carriers.
- Common Accident Types: Tail strikes and runway excursions were the most frequent accident types, emphasizing the importance of enhanced takeoff and landing safety protocols. Notably, there were no controlled-flight-into-terrain (CFIT) accidents.
Emerging Risks and Key Concerns:
- Conflict Zone Risks: The tragic downing of aircraft in conflict zones, specifically in Kazakhstan and Sudan, underscores the urgent need to strengthen the Safer Skies initiative. This initiative aims to improve safeguards in high-risk airspace.
- GNSS Interference: Alongside conflict zone threats, the increasing prevalence of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference poses a significant safety concern, demanding immediate global coordination.
IATA’s Stance:
“Even with recent high-profile aviation accidents, it is crucial to remember that air travel remains exceptionally safe,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The long-term trend reflects continuous improvement, with the five-year average accident rate nearly halving over the past decade. However, every fatality is a tragedy, and we are committed to relentless efforts to enhance safety. We honor those lost and use data, including this report, as our most powerful tool.”
Walsh also emphasized the critical need for governments to take action regarding conflict zone risks: “No civil aircraft should ever be a target of military operations. Governments must enhance intelligence sharing and establish clear global protocols to prevent such tragedies and protect civilian aviation.”
