The Foundation’s recently released 2023 Safety Report reveals that 2023 was one of the safest years on record for commercial airline operations. Data from the Aviation Safety Network show that there were zero fatal accidents involving commercial jet airliners last year, and the total number of accidents declined from the previous year and in comparison with the annual average of the previous five years.
The absence of fatal commercial jet airliner accidents in 2023 is a reason to be thankful, but it is also important to recognize that 2023 witnessed seven fatal accidents involving turboprop or piston-engine airliners. In addition, corporate jets used in a variety of operational roles were involved in 32 accidents last year, seven of which were fatal accidents.
ASN data show significant progress has been made in reducing the number of events in historically high-risk accident categories, such as controlled flight into terrain, loss of control–in flight, and runway excursions. However, the industry experienced an unacceptably large number of high-profile incidents in 2023 that could have been fatal accidents if not for a last-minute intervention or action by a pilot or air traffic controller or a stroke of luck.
The new year saw two accidents in just the first five days, including a fatal accident at Tokyo Haneda International Airport and the highly scrutinized Boeing 737 MAX door plug event. As 2024 has continued, so have the incidents. None of the subsequent events has been fatal, but at the very least, they have undermined the public’s confidence in our industry.
These incidents and close calls should serve as warnings against complacency in an industry where impressive safety achievements are a given. While we acknowledge the safety performance achieved in 2023, all stakeholders must remain vigilant. Complacency is a stealthy threat that can quietly infiltrate safety and quality protocols unless it is actively countered with a strong safety culture.
Combatting complacency demands an active strategy focused on ongoing quality enhancement, regular safety training, strict adherence to safety protocols, cultivation of a safety-first attitude, open discussions of potential risks, and the promotion of both personal and collective responsibility. Essentially, achieving sustained improvements in safety hinges on establishing and nurturing a robust safety culture.
The near misses of the past year, the notable accidents in 2024, and the ongoing issues with runway incursions and other serious safety and quality concerns signal that safety buffers within the industry are being stretched thin. The industry is grappling with numerous challenges, including the recruitment, sourcing, and training of tens of thousands of new workers; the rising demand for travel; and the need to accommodate new and diverse types of operations within the airspace system. However, it also stands at the threshold of opportunity to bolster the resilience and safety of the aviation system through effective technological implementation, a deeper comprehension of human factors, a sustained dedication to quality, and a steadfast focus on leadership and safety culture values.
