The latest safety data released by the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) paints a positive picture of global civil aviation safety performance for 2021.
The 2022 Safety Report reveals a 9.8% decrease in the global accident rate for last year vs 2020, dropping from 2.14 to 1.93 per million departures.
Meanwhile, 2021 fatalities fell by 66% against the number in 2020, although the number of accidents where fatalities occurred remained consistent at four.
“These outcomes are very positive and encouraging, and reconfirm that air transport is the safest mode of transport, even during the current global circumstances,” said Icao secretary general Juan Carlos Salazar.
“Scheduled commercial flight departures in 2021 increased by almost 11%, but despite these millions more flights amidst restart and recovery resource shortages and the many other operational challenges facing airline and airport operators today, air transport’s collective and long-standing commitment to the safety, security and health of passengers and crew remains unwavering.”
The report also stresses that in response to existing and emerging trends, Icao is working in closer partnership with the whole international aviation community to achieve future safety improvements.
Key emphasis is being placed on improving safety performance and reducing operational safety risk through improved standardisation, implementation, and monitoring.
