IATA has given Ethiopian Airlines a green flag for its safety, and the airline holds a 4-star rating. It has won the Best Airline in Africa award for five consecutive years and has its aircraft management approved and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. These credentials contribute to the confidence in Ethiopian Airlines’ safety.
Ethiopian Airlines has a history of 64 accidents but has significantly improved its safety standards. After experiencing 459 fatalities in 2019, the airline implemented changes to address previous issues, and its safety ranking has risen to 26th on the World’s Top 100 Airlines list.
Passengers have positively noted the airline’s commitment during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While these certifications address Ethiopian Airlines’ safety, those seeking further assurance about flying with the airline may need to consider additional valid points.
Detailed Analysis Determining Is Ethiopian Airlines Safe to Fly
Ethiopian Airlines, with 75 years of experience, is the youngest South African airline. It has experienced approximately 65 accidents, including six major incidents with severe fatalities. Despite these numbers, Ethiopian Airlines is considered safe due to its proactive measures and enhanced safety protocols. Accidents often result from external factors like weather, air traffic issues, or hijacking, not just the airline’s or crew’s negligence.
A recent IATA audit in 2022 further confirms that Ethiopian Airlines maintains high safety standards. The airline’s fleet is relatively young, with an average age of 5.4 years, and includes Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Ethiopian MRO ensures the quality of its aircraft by maintaining and reviewing their condition, recommending the retirement of older, less reliable planes.
While these points highlight Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to safety, additional crucial indicators remain to be discussed.
Consider the following aspects to gain a comprehensive understanding of the airline’s safety.
- Ethiopian Airlines has a commendable safety record. Since its inception in 1946, the airline has experienced six fatal accidents out of a total of 65 incidents. It has significantly improved its safety standards, managing over 100 aircraft according to international benchmarks.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association), an independent organization, recognizes the airline by certifying it based on rigorous IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) standards. This audit evaluates everything from aircraft production to the crew’s ability to handle emergencies without relying solely on technology.
- Customer feedback and safety ratings further support Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation for safety. Passengers who have flown on its Dreamliner series often commend its safety and comfort for long routes.
- Ethiopian Airlines has a dedicated page detailing the management, maintenance, and repair of its aircraft, enhancing trust in its safety practices. The airline is also a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, reflecting its overall performance and quality.
- The airline’s crew is well-trained, having historically employed American pilots and recently transitioned to highly trained local pilots.These efforts have earned Ethiopian Airlines numerous awards for its discipline and performance, including a 4-star rating.
- As one of the few profitable airlines in South Africa with a strong international reputation, Ethiopian Airlines serves 131 international destinations and continues to gain passenger trust through its safe travel experiences. Future expansions may further enhance its operations.
Conclusion
All the above discussions lead to one conclusion that Ethiopian Airlines is a fairly safe airline. Even the customer reviews and the international rankings speak in favor of the airline. Although passenger feedback varies, the generally positive reviews and improved global ranking suggest that Ethiopian Airlines is safe to fly. Thoroughly review the passage to build your trust in the airline before deciding whether to book the flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Ethiopian Airlines is considered safe. It holds a 4-star rating and has achieved IATA certification.
Yes, flying on Ethiopian Airlines is safe. The airline’s Dreamliners and Airbus A350s receive high ratings for safety.
Ethiopian Airlines ranks among the top five best-rated and most profitable airlines in Africa.
Yes, Ethiopian Airlines has experienced 65 accidents, with serious injuries and fatalities occurring in six of these incidents.