AAPA: Aviation has safest year on record

Aviation had its safest year on record in 2015 with one accident per five million flights, with the loss rate halving in five years, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

The association says there were four major accidents operated by commercial airlines, including Germanwings flight 9525, which the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz flew into the French Alps, and Metrojet flight 9268, which is believed to have been downed by a bomb on board.

AAPA director general, Andrew Herdman says: “Flying today is extraordinarily safe, and aircraft accidents are now increasingly rare events. Indeed, the 2015 accident rate is the lowest ever recorded, but we can never afford to be complacent.”

Turboprop aircraft recorded fewer major accidents in 2015 but the rate was still higher than larger jets. AAPA puts this down to their use in remote geographical areas and technical limitations involving the available airport and air navigation infrastructure.

Herdman says: “Turboprop operations play an important role in serving smaller markets and developing regions of the world, but do face some specific operational challenges.”

He says the turboprop accident rate can be lowered further through more flight training and adherence to standard operating procedures, as well as investing in upgraded air navigation aids and ground infrastructure.