Summary of worldwide commercial jet airplane accidents 1959-2008

With the recent spate of crashes, air safety has been brought to the fore on the web. Debates are roaring about who is better and safer — Boeing or Airbus.

Randy Tinseth, vice president, marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes says it best.

All commercial airplanes, whether designed and manufactured by Boeing or another company, must meet the same stringent safety requirements before they’re certified to enter service. The fact is, today’s air system is safer than ever – and there are statistics to prove it.

Since the 1960’s, Boeing has published the “Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents.” It makes excellent reading and dispels many myths.

To further air safety all the aircraft manufacturers, regulatory agencies, operators, labour, and others have formed the Commercial Aviation Safety Team or CAST. CAST members have helped reduce the fatal accident rate in the United States by 83 percent from 1998 to 2008, according to industry data, and this was recognised by their receiving the Collier Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association which signifies the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in the United States.

For more details on CAST activities you can visit their website or download this PDF document on safety enhancements CAST has undertaken.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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