IATA reports 2011 aviation safety performance, notes decline in aviation accidents

IATA reported (06-Mar-2012) the total number of aviation accidents declined 2% in 2011 and the number of accidents involving Western-built jet hull losses decreased by 35%, from 17 in 2010 to 11 in 2011. There were a total of 92 commercial aviation accidents in 2011, involving 79 passenger flights, 10 cargo flights and three ferry flights, comprising 55 jet aircraft accidents and 37 turboprop aircraft accidents. Accidents on the runway during a landing or takeoff, were the most common type of accident in 2011, accounting for 18% of total accidents. The number of fatalities in 2011 decreased by 38% compared to 2010.

Safety statistics for Western-built jet hull losses by region:

• Africa: 3.27 per million sectors, -55.9% year-on-year;
• Asia-Pacific: 0.10, -68.8%;
• CIS: 1.06 (compared to 0.0 in 2010);
• Europe: 0.0 (compared to 0.45 in 2010);
• Latin America & Caribbean: 1.28, -31.6%;
• Middle East & North Africa: 2.02, +180.6%;
• North Asia: 0.0 (compared to 0.34 in 2010);
• Industry: 0.37, -39.3% (equivalent of one accident every 2.7 million flights). [more - original PR]