Article written by Maria Vasiliu!
International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that 2012 was the best year for aviation safety in aviation history, according to data recorded until November 30 2012. IATA monitors about 84% of total air traffic, being an organization that 242 has joined by airlines.
"The percentage of aviation accidents worldwide has decreased by 17% compared to 2011, with an average of 1 accident per 5,3 million flights"
, according to the statement made by the deputy chairman of the IATA operational safety department, Günther Matschnigg. He also pointed out that the aviation industry has achieved an incredible level of security, and 2012 is the third consecutive year in a world record.
According to the data published by IATA, the number of accidents registered by the member airlines was reduced, up to 30 November 2012, by 45%. Thus the average of the accidents dropped from 1,89 aviation accidents to 1 million flights, to 1,03.
Moreover, for the first time in the aviation industry, no loss of aircraft built in the West was counted. Only 5 aircraft suffered serious damage whose repairs exceeded the cost of manufacturing. In 2011 there were 11 damaged aircraft.
"According to the reported figures, for a person to be involved in a plane crash should fly every day for 14000 consecutive days (over 38 years)"
added Matschnigg. This proves once again that the plane is the safest means of transport.
In the first eleven months of 2012 year, only 15% of all accidents, mostly on the runways, resulted in deaths, compared to 2011, when the percentage was 26%. And the number of deceased fell considerably from 490 to 2011 to 401 deaths in 2012.
Accidents were mostly due to piloting errors. 19% of the accidents occurred after the plane was lost control. Mechanical failures or failures of the landing gear resulted in 18% of accidents. Incorrect decisions to land the aircraft resulted in the production of 16% of total accidents.
In the ranking of flights by continent and region, in 2012, Africa recorded the worst results, with 12,9 accidents at 1 million flights. In 2011 it performed much better, having a safety index of 8.08 accidents at 1 million flights. But I think the situation will change in the near future. The African continent will become the target of several airlines. New business and tourism routes will open.
In Europe the situation was not too good, as expected. In 2012 there were 2.24 accidents at 1 million flights, up from 2011 when there were 1.68 accidents at 1 million flights.
On the other side of the barricade, with very good news come Latin America, North America, the Middle East, the countries of the former Soviet Union and North Asia. In the last four regions mentioned, no deaths were reported in 2012.
Considering this data, who is still afraid of flying by plane? :)