Which Jets Are Safe?

Are some jets safer than others?
No. Regardless of the manufacturer, all large passenger jets within a particular class must adhere to the same government safety standards. And all jets must pass exhaustive testing and analysis before they’re certified for commercial use. The airplane itself has been identified as the primary cause in only 10 percent of all serious jet accidents, according to worldwide accident data.

Are older airplanes less safe than newer ones?
An airplane’s age isn’t as relevant to safety as the way the aircraft is maintained and operated. It’s much like driving an old car: If all the key safety equipment — tires, brakes, steering, lights, shocks, wipers, etc. — are in top condition and you drive safely, your risk will be minimal. The same is true of commercial aviation. Of course, each new generation of airplanes benefits from the lessons learned in designing, building, and operating the previous generation. The resulting safety enhancements, however, do not mean older jets are less safe since many of the key safety enhancements incorporated in newer aircraft — such as collision avoidance systems — have been added to older planes in the fleet as well.

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