Thousands of aircraft fly over our heads every day, and most people don’t consider that. With so many planes flying daily, have you ever wondered how these aircraft stay safe and which one of them has the best safety rating?
In this article, we’re going to explore the top ten safest commercial aircrafts in the world!
SUMMARY
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Air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, thanks to continuous advancements in aircraft technology and airline safety standards.
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Some aircraft models, like the Boeing 717, Airbus A340, and Boeing 787, have maintained flawless safety records with no fatal accidents.
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Airlines such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific are recognized for their rigorous safety protocols and commitment to passenger security.
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Whether Boeing or Airbus, modern aircraft are built with cutting-edge safety features, redundancy systems, and pilot training programs for reliable air travel.
Safest Aircraft Models
1. Boeing 717
At the top of our list is the Boeing 717, which was known for it’s amazingly robust design and it’s flawless safety record.
The Boeing 717 was a twin-engine airliner with seating up to 134 passengers, and a range of 2060 nautical miles. Despite it’s amazing safety record, slow sales caused Boeing to end the production of the 717 in 2006.
2. Airbus A340
The next airliner we want to highlight is the A340. It was released in 1993 and designed for long-haul flights.
What made this aircraft so remarkable is that by the end of 2021 the A340s had completed over 2.5 million flights, ferried more than 600 million people and has a clean flight record of no fatalities. This is why the Airbus A340 takes the #2 spot and one of the safest commercial aircraft.
3. Embraer ERJ Series
We had to add the Embraer ERJ Series to this list. The Embraer Regional Jets are a series of twin-engine jets released by Embraer, a Brazilian company.
It entered service in 1997 and experienced minimal hull losses. This jet became widely popular in regional aviation and was overall considered a dependable and reliable aircraft.
4. Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offered more space, privacy and lighting. It was also quiet, which helped to boost it’s name as being a “Dream”. The 787 maintained a flight record of no fatal accidents since it was introduced. It uses modern composite materials and uses advanced avionics. It's held the title of one of the safest commercial aircraft available.
5. Boeing 747-8
We couldn’t do this list without mentioning the Boeing 747-8. The Boeing 747-8 was the latest and final version of the legendary jumbo jet.
It is one of the largest model versions of the 747 and the biggest aircraft produced by Boeing in general. Boeing Commercial Airplanes ended up discontinuing the production of the 747 in 2022 due to a lack of demand for four-engine airliners.
6. Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is the worlds largest passenger aircraft, and it’s usually referred to as the “superjumbo”. The A380 is a large, double-deck airliner jet with seating for 525 passengers, and it can reach up to a max of 853. Despite it’s massive size and presence, the A380 is an incredibly safe aircraft with no record of fatal accidents.
7. Boeing 777-300ER/200LR
Next up is the Boeing 777-300ER/299LR, which was one of Boeings most successful and safest long-haul aircraft. As of 2018, Emirates held the title of the largest Boeing 777 operator with a broad fleet of 163 airliners.
By January 2025, over 60 customers had placed orders for a total of 2,305 Boeing 777’s. This is why the 777's has achieved the position as the top-selling wide-body airliner, with the 777-300ER emerging as the most popular variant with 833 deliveries.
8. Airbus A350
We have another Airbus aircraft on this list! It's the Airbus A320/321neo. The Airbus A350 is a modern, long-range wide-body aircraft that was designed with advanced technology in the efforts to make the aircraft safer.
It features an Automated Emergency Descent (AED) system that automatically lowers the aircraft to a safe altitude in the event of cabin depressurization. This little enhancement is meant to protect passenger safety even if the crew is incapacitated. On top of the previous feature, the A350 uses flight envelope protection which is a system that prevents the aircraft from pushing beyond its operational limits.
9. Airbus A320/321neo
Yes, it's another Airbus! The Airbus A320neo and A321neo are some of the most reliable aircraft that you'll find in the skies. These narrow-body jets have racked up millions of flights with an excellent safety record.
As of 2025, they’ve completed over 7.35 million flights with only one hull loss—caused by an airport issue, not a plane failure. Thanks to its fuel-efficient engines and modern avionics, The A320/321 are safe and environmentally friendly. If you’re hopping on a short- or medium-haul flight, chances are it’s probably on an A320neo.
10. CRJ 700/900/1000
Our final commercial aircraft with the #10 position is the CRJ 700/900/1000. But don't let it's position at 10 make you think it's any less safe than the other aircraft on our list. If you’ve ever taken a short-haul flight, there’s a good chance you were on a CRJ.
The Bombardier CRJ 700, 900, and 1000 series are some of the most trusted regional jets in the commercial aviation industry. Airlines love them for their reliability. With no major midair malfunctions on record or safety concerns, the CRJ series has built up a solid reputation for getting people where they need to go safely.
Safest Airlines in the World
Now that we have explored the safest airplanes, what about airlines in general? As of February 25, 2025, several major airlines have built a reputation for themselves through having exceptional safety records and practices. Here's a closer look at some of the world's safest airlines:
1. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has once again been recognized as the world's safest airline for 2025. They have earned this title because of the airline's unwavering commitment to safety. That is boosted even further by a modern fleet and their rigorous(but appreciated) operational protocols.
Air New Newland's proactive approach to both safety and their continuous investment in newer aircraft have set them apart in the aviation industry.
2. Qantas
Not too far from our previous airline is Qantas. Australia's flag carrier, Qantas, consistently ranks among the top safest airlines globally.
They are well known for having an outstanding safety record, and Qantas has a history of innovation in safety practices. They're successfully maintained a fatality-free record in the jet era. Their safety management systems and pilot training programs are considered amazing.
3. Cathay Pacific
The next place-holder for the safest airlines goes to the Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific. They are renowned for their safety protocols and well-experienced flight crews.
The airline's dedication to maintaining high safety standards across its fleet has helped it to earn it's place among the world's safest airlines.
4. Emirates
Now let's journey over to Dubai, where the Emirates operates one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in the world.
The Emirates is determined to show their commitment to safety through top-tier training programs and their meticulous maintenance procedures. The airline's investment in next-generation aircraft and state-of-the-art flight safety systems underscores its careful focus on passenger security.
5. Singapore Airlines
Well-known for it's incredible service, Singapore Airlines is also celebrated for its leadership in aviation safety and it's stellar operational reputation.
The airline likes to use the latest safety technologies and practices so that they can offer a secure and comfortable experience for their passengers.
They also emphasis on crew training, aircraft and aviation safety. All of these things combined give Singapore a strong position as one of the safest airlines in the world.
6. EVA Air
Taiwan's EVA Air consistently ends up in the aviation industry ranks as one of the safest airlines in Asia. They have put in a strong focus on both their fleet maintenance and pilot training. EVA Air focuses on safety as the forefront of its operations.
7. Etihad Airways
Now lets have a look at Etihad Airways who has built a strong reputation for operational aviation safety. Their airline tries to purchase next-generation aircraft and invest into detailed safety training programs.
They are committed to maintaining high safety standards and their dedication to air safety has given them the badge as a trusted carrier worldwide.
8. Alaska Airlines
Now lets go to North America, where we'll find Alaska Airlines. As one of North America's top airlines in terms of safety, Alaska Airlines keeps up with meticulous safety checks and pilot training programs.
Despite facing challenges, like the 2024 door incident, the airline has demonstrated its resilience and has a steadfast commitment to keeping their passengers safe.
9. Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines operates with some of the strictest safety measures in the airline industry. They have such high standards for aircraft maintenance and crew training.
Like the other airlines on this list, JAL simply wants a safe air travel experience for their passengers. Japan Airlines dedication to safety has been a bit cornerstone of their operations and has earned them recognition globally.
10. Lufthansa
Last, but certainly not least, is Lufthansa. Germany's Lufthansa is a leading European airline with a really impressive safety record.
They utilize modern aircraft equipped with cutting-edge safety features and Lufthansa emphasizes continuous improvement in their safety protocols and crew training. Their proactive safety culture has long established them as a reliable choice for air travelers.
Boeing vs. Airbus: Which is Safer?
Airbus vs. Boeing Safety Comparison
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Both manufacturers follow strict international safety regulations.
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Airbus aircraft often feature advanced automation and fly-by-wire technology.
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Boeing aircraft typically prioritize pilot control with a more hands-on flying experience.
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Historical safety data shows both of these companies produce highly reliable aircraft.
Why Some Aircraft Models Are Safer Than Others
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Engineering improvements, materials, and design advancements play a role.
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Pilot training and airline maintenance practices can really make an impact on safety.
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Certain aircraft have better redundancy features which minimize risks during failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the safest airplane?
Aircraft with no fatal crashes, the Boeing 717, Airbus A340, and Boeing 787, are considered the safest.
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What is the world's safest airline?
We we look at the current ranking, as of 2025, Air New Zealand holds the title of the safest airline globally.
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What is the safest airplane model ever?
The Airbus A340 has never recorded a fatal crash in its operational history.
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Are Airbus aircraft safer than Boeing?
Safety depends on specific models rather than manufacturers. Both Airbus and Boeing produce some of the world's safest airplanes.
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Why isn't United Airlines on this list?
United Airlines ranks 23rd on the 2025 AirlineRatings.com safety list, behind Alaska Airlines (9th) and American Airlines (13th). Yes, United maintains strong safety standards, but factors like fleet age and incident history kept it out of the top 10.
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Who investigates aircraft or aviation related accidents and incidents in the United States?
It is the job of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate accidents that occur and form reports on why they took place. They determine everything from smaller incidents to answering why a fatal crash occurred.
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What happened with the Boeing 737 MAX?
The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded worldwide from 2019 to 2020 after they caused two fatal crashes because of a faulty MCAS software. This claimed the lives of 346 people. Boeing fixed the issue with software updates and pilot training, but in early 2024, a door panel incident led to another temporary grounding. As of 2025, the aircraft is back in service, but Boeing remains under heavy scrutiny for safety and quality control. (Source)
Takeaway
Well, that’s it! What did you think of our list? Are there any commercial aircraft or airlines you believe should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments!
Just a quick note—our ranking doesn’t mean one airline or aircraft is safer than another. Every airline and aircraft mentioned prioritizes safety. If a particular airline or aircraft isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe; it simply just didn’t make our top 10.
Remember, passenger safety is always a top priority for airlines, shaping their operations and service every step of the way.
Keep learning and growing in your aviation industry knowledge!
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