IATA made this known through its 2023 Annual Safety Report for global aviation. It said Aviation continues to make progress on safety with several 2023 parameters showing “best-ever” results.

It however noted that there were no hull losses or fatal accidents involving passenger jet aircraft in 2023, although there was a single fatal accident involving a turboprop aircraft resulting in 72 fatalities.

According to Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, “2023 safety performance continues to demonstrate that flying is the safest mode of transport. Aviation places its highest priority on safety and that shows in the 2023 performance. Jet operations saw no hull losses or fatalities.

2023 also saw the lowest fatality risk and ‘all accident’ rate on record. A single fatal turboprop accident with 72 fatalities, however, reminds us that we can never take safety for granted.

He noted that two high-profile accidents in the first month of 2024 show that, even if flying is among the safest activities a person can do, there is always room to improve. This is what we have done throughout our history. And we will continue to make flying ever safer,”

The report also noted that the accident rate in Africa improved from 10.88 per million sectors in 2022 to 6.38 in 2023, better than the 5-year average of 7.11.

In 2023, whilst there were no, no fatalities. This region has had no jet hull losses or fatal accidents since 2020.

Additionally, 2023 marked the fifth occurrence of Africa reporting zero fatal turboprop accidents, with the first instance recorded in 2015.

Under the focus Africa initiative, IATA introduced CASIP to enhance aviation safety in Africa. CASIP efforts are continuing to partner with states to increase the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) as well as the AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Effective Implementation (EI) of ICAO ISARPs have increased the minimum SARP implementation threshold to 75% or greater (from 60%). Only 12 of Africa’s 54 states meet this new threshold indicating the need for significant improvements.

The report also further revealed that 19 accidents involving IOSA members led to no hull losses or fatalities, “IOSA registered carriers recorded no hull losses or fatal accidents in 2023. Since 2005, the all-accident rate for airlines on the IOSA registry is almost three times better than for non-IOSA airlines.

This sustained performance demonstrates that the implementation of global standards improves safety.

With IOSA’s recent transition to a risk-based model focusing on pertinent safety risks while maintaining a baseline of safety, IOSA will become an even more powerful tool to help airlines and regulators maintain and improve very high levels of safety performance.

Accordingly, the accident rate in North America rose from 0.53 per million sectors in 2022 to 1.14 in 2023 but remained better than its 5-year average for the region of 1.21. The largest proportions of accidents in 2023 were related to landing gear collapses.

The accident rate in Asia-Pacific:  increased from 0.56 per million sectors in 2022 to 0.78 in 2023, but was better than the 5-year average for the region of 1.06.

The fatality risk rate per million sectors rose for Asia-Pacific operators from 0.00 in 2022 to 0.16, owing to the fatal accident in Nepal in January 2023, which was due to loss of control in flight.

The accident rate improved from 1.30 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 1.16 in 2023 and was also better than its 5-year average of 0.96.

While no accidents were related to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, it has emerged as a critical area of concern in the region.

The body however recommended a strong safety culture within the aviation industry is essential for continuous improvement in all aspects of operations.

Creating an environment that encourages the transparent and timely reporting of incidents and accidents is essential to be able to identify systemic issues and prevent future occurrences.

This information was shared in a statement released to commemorate the airline’s fourth anniversary. The statement, signed by Aniekan Essienette, the GM of Marketing and Communication, was made available to the press in Uyo.

Since its inception on June 7, 2019, the airline has experienced tremendous growth, as stated by the company. With a modern fleet of aircraft, a strong emphasis on safety, and exceptional customer service, Ibom Air has become the preferred choice for travelers seeking a combination of safety, comfort, reliability, and affordability.

Mr. George Uriesi, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, attributed the rapid growth to the airline’s ability to meet the high expectations of its shareholders and the dedicated execution of its business plan.

He expressed pride in celebrating Ibom Air’s fourth anniversary and highlighted the airline’s achievements in surpassing its business plan projections.

These milestones were accomplished through meticulous execution of the business plan and the hard work and dedication of the committed staff.

Uriesi emphasized that Ibom Air’s internal culture of excellence, safety, integrity, passion, and innovation has become deeply ingrained and drives the company’s commitment to providing the highest quality of service in the industry.

The COO also expressed gratitude, on behalf of the board, management, and staff, to the loyal customers, associates, and stakeholders across the country and beyond for their support over the past four years.

Furthermore, Uriesi highlighted the recent certification of Ibom Air with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), underscoring the airline’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is the benchmark for global safety management in airlines. All IATA members are registered and must remain registered in order to maintain IATA membership

United Nigeria Airlines is a domestic Nigerian airline, operating regular daily flights to connect Lagos and Abuja, the two largest cities in Nigeria.

The certification will allow the airline to expand its local and regional operations, according to a statement issued on Friday by the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mazi Okonkwo.

“We are extremely excited that we have formally achieved our target set on the first day of operation by the best global standards.

“I must say that the audit process, which was thorough and tasking, has been a worthwhile exercise as it provided us invaluable opportunities to improve our processes and procedures.

“Our profound gratitude goes to the great team United Nigeria that worked diligently and tirelessly to prepare and follow through the audit processes,” Okonkwo said.

He reassured the airline’s passengers of improvements in safety and other services.