What's the safest airline in the world? Qantas Airways. The Australian character has been named the safest airline according to AirlineRatings.com due to its fatal crash record. The airline hasn't had a fatal crash since 1951.
Qantas Airways topped the list of the top 10 safest airlines of 2013 according to AirlineRatings.com. Qantas was among the 448 airlines that the website monitors for safety and product ratings.
The airlines in the top 10 list all earned seven stars for safety and in-flight products, which is the highest score an airline can get. The other airlines within the top 10, listed in alphabetical order include Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Eva Air, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. The lowest ranked airlines, with only one star, are Kam Air, Scat and Bluewing Airlines.
No U.S. based carrier made the top 10 list. Several factors are considered by AirlineRatings.com when they come up with its lists. This includes audits from aviation's governing bodies and lead associations as well as government audits and the airline's fatality record.
Even though the top 10 all received seven stars for safety, they weren't the only one. In total, 137 airlines earned top scores. Almost 50 airlines earned three stars or less.
Qantas was not only recognized for its safety record, but it has had a lot of firsts over the course of its 93 years in service. For instance, it is the first international airline to operate around-the-world through its Lockheed Super Constellations in 1958. It was also the first airline outside of the US to take delivery of the Boring 707. It is also a leader in using the Flight Data Recorder to monitor plane a crew performance in 1962.
According to AirlineRatings.com, 2013 was the safest year for flying since 1945. There were 269 deaths and 29 accidents.
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