Top 10 Safest Commercial Aircraft Models You Should Know
Discover the most reliable and secure passenger airplanes based on extensive flight hour data and accident statistics to fly with confidence.
In light of recent aviation incidents, we present an updated list of the safest commercial passenger airplanes to help travelers choose flights with peace of mind.
Although major air disasters have occasionally captured headlines, air travel remains statistically the safest mode of transportation. Certain aircraft models have an impeccable safety record, never involved in serious accidents. This ranking is based on comprehensive data compiled from BusinessWeek and the London-based insurance consultancy Ascend, excluding incidents related to terrorism.
The aircraft are ranked by the number of accidents relative to total flight hours accumulated by all planes of that type. Factors include the total number of units produced, average flight hours per aircraft, and operational lifespan within airlines.
Keep in mind that safety ratings can evolve over decades, and the operating airline’s maintenance standards significantly impact safety. Inexperienced management or operating conditions in developing regions can increase risks regardless of the aircraft model.
Explore the top safest commercial airplanes below:
1. Boeing 777
Produced since 1995, with 748 units built, the Boeing 777 boasts over 20 million flight hours with no fatal accidents in commercial operation. Some incidents occurred, but only one resulted in three passenger fatalities. Notably, two mysterious disappearances in 2014 are excluded here due to their association with extraordinary circumstances.
2. Airbus A340
Since its launch in 1993, 341 Airbus A340s have accumulated over 13.5 million flight hours with only five non-fatal incidents, maintaining an excellent safety record.
3. Airbus A330
Introduced in 1993 with 577 units built, the Airbus A330 has logged over 14 million flight hours. While eight aircraft have been lost, including tragic accidents in 1994, 2005, and 2009, it remains one of the safest wide-body jets in service.
4. Boeing 747
With production starting in 1970 and 941 aircraft in operation, the Boeing 747 has a robust safety profile with only one accident per 17.5 million flight hours. Over its 40+ years, 51 planes were lost, including the devastating 1985 Tokyo crash caused by maintenance errors.
5. Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG)
Since 1997, 2,623 Boeing 737 NG planes have been in operation, with a remarkable safety record of one accident per 17 million flight hours and only three total accidents to date.
6. Boeing 767
Produced since 1982, with 879 units active, the Boeing 767 averages one accident per 15.5 million flight hours. Despite 15 total losses resulting in 851 fatalities, it remains a preferred choice for long-haul flights.
7. Airbus A320 Family
Since 1988, over 3,600 aircraft from the A320 family (including A319 and A321) have flown more than 15 million hours with one accident per that flight time. Despite 33 total losses, the family maintains a solid safety record, with notable incidents including the 2015 French Alps crash.
8. Boeing 757
Produced from 1982 with 973 in service, the Boeing 757 has one accident per 15 million flight hours. Eight total losses include three due to technical failures, with two aircraft tragically involved in the September 11 attacks.
9. Boeing 737 Classic (CFMI engines)
Manufactured since 1984, 1,760 Boeing 737 Classic aircraft have flown approximately 5.5 million hours with one accident per that timeframe. Despite 174 losses and over 3,800 fatalities, many incidents involved criminal acts like hijackings.
10. McDonnell Douglas MD-11
In production since 1990, with 187 units active, the MD-11 averages one accident per 4 million flight hours. Ten total losses resulted in 245 fatalities, reflecting a moderate safety record compared to other models.
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