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AirlineRatings.com: More Than Just a Number

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. /airlineratings-com-more-than-just-a-number.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 22:17 GMT by Travel + Leisure

The Methodology: More Than Just a Number

AirlineRatings.com isn't simply assigning arbitrary rankings. The website, established in 1997, employs a rigorous evaluation process. Their assessment considers a multitude of factors extending far beyond accident rates. These include comprehensive audits (both internal and external), a meticulous review of operational history, the age and maintenance of the airline's fleet, the quality and scope of employee training programs, and even innovative safety product implementation. It's a holistic approach designed to identify airlines committed to safety as an ongoing, evolving priority.

Crucially, the evaluation also zeroes in on an airline's response to crisis - how effectively they manage unforeseen events and their willingness to address findings from safety audits. This demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks, rather than merely reacting after an incident. The presence or absence of incidents is, of course, considered, but so is how an airline learns from any occurrences. Fleet management practices and the thoroughness of pilot and crew training are also heavily weighted.

The 2024 Top Tier: 7-Star Safety Ratings

The pinnacle of AirlineRatings.com's scoring system is the coveted 7-Star rating, signifying an airline's exceptional commitment to safety. For 2024, two airlines achieved this distinction: Air New Zealand and Qatar Airways. This recognition highlights their consistent dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards across all aspects of their operations.

The Full List of Safety Leaders

The 2024 list of airlines recognized for their exemplary safety records includes:

• Air New Zealand (7 Stars)
• Qantas (Australia) (7 Stars)
• Virgin Australia (Australia) (7 Stars)
• Jet Airways (Belgium) (7 Stars)
• Finnair (Finland) (7 Stars)
• Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong) (7 Stars)
• All Nippon Airways (Japan) (7 Stars)
• Japan Airlines (JAL) (7 Stars)
• Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) (7 Stars)
• Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia) (7 Stars)
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore) (7 Stars)
• Korean Air (South Korea) (7 Stars)
• Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland) (7 Stars)
• EVA Air (Taiwan) (7 Stars)

A Continuous Pursuit of Excellence

As stated by Captain Ernest Sykes, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com, "Airlines are constantly raising the bar on safety and it is an ongoing process." This sentiment underscores the dynamic nature of aviation safety. It's not a static achievement but a continuous commitment to improvement, innovation, and adaptation to new challenges and technologies. The 2024 rankings reflect this dedication, highlighting airlines that have proactively embraced these principles.

Beyond the Rankings: Considerations for Travelers

While the AirlineRatings.com list provides valuable guidance, it's important to remember that all major airlines adhere to stringent safety regulations. This list offers a deeper dive into which carriers go above and beyond these minimum requirements. For travelers prioritizing safety, consulting this list can be a helpful tool when making flight booking decisions, offering added assurance and confidence in their journey.