As we step into 2025, it’s important to reflect on both the achievements and challenges that define our shared commitment to aviation safety. In 2023, we marked a milestone with zero commercial jet fatalities — a testament to the relentless efforts of the global aviation community. Indications throughout 2024 suggested that we might once again come close to this remarkable performance. Tragically, however, the back-to-back events in December — the crash of the severely damaged Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Kazakhstan while en route to Grozny, Russia, and the Jeju Air accident in Muan, South Korea — remind us of how fragile and fleeting aviation safety can be. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these terrible events.
Also, let us not forget the unfortunate runway accident on Jan. 2, 2024, at Haneda Airport involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. While all passengers and crew on the JAL flight were able to deplane safely, there was a tragic loss of life aboard the Coast Guard aircraft. Incidents like this demonstrate again the inherent risks in aviation operations and the importance of maintaining a relentless focus on safety.
While we await the results of the investigations to understand the causes and contributing factors, these events serve as somber reminders that the job of ensuring safety is never done. Whether it is an aircraft operating in a conflict zone, the risk of a bird strike or other unexpected hazard, or a runway collision, we know that risks can emerge in unpredictable ways. As an industry, we must remain vigilant and proactive, always striving to identify, understand, and mitigate risks before they lead to tragedy.
As we embark on this new year, the aviation community must redouble its efforts to improve safety. From strengthening safety management systems and identifying hazards to sharing critical safety and security information, the work ahead requires collaboration and an unwavering commitment. The Foundation, in partnership with its members worldwide, will continue to focus on these vital issues. Together, we can build a resilient aviation safety culture and implement the measures necessary to ensure that events like those in December are not repeated.
