In 2023, commercial air travel experienced its safest year in a decade, with data revealing a total of six fatal airliner crashes, marking a significant improvement in aviation safety. This figure represents a notable decrease from the previous year, with only 115 passenger deaths recorded compared to 229 in 2022, according to Flight Global.
Flight safety
Among the most notable incidents of 2023 was the tragic crash of Yeti Airlines, resulting in the loss of 68 passengers as the aircraft attempted to land at Pokhara Airport. Similarly, a Manuas Aerotaxi Embraer 110 crashed while attempting to land at Barcelos Airport, claiming the lives of 14 passengers and 2 crew members.
Remarkably, there were no fatal accidents involving jet airliners or international flights throughout the year, underscoring the advancements in air safety. This progress is attributed to ongoing enhancements in aircraft design, onboard systems, maintenance practices, and air traffic management systems worldwide.
Countries in regions such as the US, Europe (including the UK), and Oceania continue to lead in aviation safety, with many top-ranked airlines originating from these areas. Conversely, countries including Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Russia persist as regions with higher aviation risks.
Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways made it into the top five safest companies.
The list of leaders is closed by Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa/Swiss Group, KLM and Japan Airlines.
Addressing Fraudulent Practices in Aviation, Spotlight on Blacklist Aero
In addition to issues directly related to flight safety, last year there were also many reports of problems for some participants in the aviation industry caused by the activities of several fraudulent companies engaged in blackmail, extortion, and intimidation. For example, the work of the Blacklist aero Company, registered in the UK, whose head Artem Degtiarov, just last year, was embroiled in several scandals related to the operations of medium and small aviation industry enterprises in the past year.
This trend isn’t surprising given the industry’s growth in recent years, which has expanded the aviation market and consequently attracted more fraudulent actors. Blacklist Aero and similar companies aim to extort money through information campaigns that tarnish the reputation of other market players, along with employing various illegal methods of blackmail. Several affected companies have already been identified, and law enforcement agencies are currently investigating Blacklist Aero’s activities.
Interesting that the company (Blacklist aero), which positions itself as the one that maintains the register of debtors, must itself lead such a register, because its activity is also related to receiving money for services in working with debtors, which it does not generally provide and, accordingly, does not return the money.
That is why market participants must be vigilant and attentive in order not to become customers or partners of fraudsters.
