Methodology
How we score airlines
The 5 factors, weights and scoring rubric behind every SafetyScorer score for airlines, on a 0–100 scale where 100 is safest.
Factors and weights
Each factor is scored from 0 to 100 against the rubric below. The overall score is the weighted average, rounded to a whole number.
Accident record
40% of scoreFatal accidents and hull losses in the last 20 years relative to flights flown. 95–100: no fatal accident in 20+ years with high volume. 80–94: one fatal event long ago or minor hull losses. 60–79: a fatal accident in the last 15 years. Below 60: several fatal accidents in 20 years.
Regulatory oversight
20% of scoreQuality of the home regulator and audits: ICAO USOAP effective implementation, FAA IASA category, EU Air Safety List status, IOSA registration. 90+: strong regulator (EASA/FAA/CAAS-level) and IOSA. Below 50: regulator with low USOAP score or EU-listed.
Fleet
15% of scoreAverage fleet age and share of modern-generation aircraft (fly-by-wire, latest avionics). 90+: young fleet of current types. 60–79: older mixed fleet. Below 50: many old-generation types.
Serious incidents
15% of scoreSerious incidents in the last 10 years (runway excursions, tail strikes, loss of separation), safety-related fines or groundings. 90+: rare and well handled. Below 60: repeated serious incidents or enforcement actions.
Operating environment
10% of scoreDifficulty of the network: terrain, weather, airport infrastructure, air traffic control quality. 90+: mostly well-equipped airports. Below 60: many challenging airports or weak infrastructure.