Claims In Aviation Are Skyrocketing, In Spite Of Better Safety Records

Passengers can take a deep breath — the global airline industry has had some of its safest years in recent times when it comes to fatalities.

This news comes despite a number of crashes, according to a new study from Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), though the report also notes that the long-term improvement of risk management records is challenged by a growing number of claims and risks.

“Air travel has never been safer in the history of aviation,” said James Van Meter, regional head of aviation programs and product development in North America for AGCS, adding that the insurance company partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, known as ‘the Harvard of the Skies,’ to analyze some 50,000 aviation claims.

“We looked at the trends and it’s very clear that it’s never been safer to get on to an airplane as a passenger. If you look at how many unfortunate deaths and fatalities occurred just between 1959 and 2017, there were almost 30,000 aircraft accidents that led to fatalities and, in 2008-2017, that number dropped to almost 2,200.”