Safety in global aviation remains high, says IATA

Doha: Safety in global aviation remains high, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said, as it seeks to improve in-flight tracking after the disappearance of a Malaysian passenger jet in March. There were 0.34 accidents per million flights in the first four months of 2014 compared with 0.32 over the preceding five years, IATA said at its annual general meeting in Doha, Qatar.

Its statement noted that the industry recorded three accidents between January and April, including the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

An IATA taskforce on in-flight tracking, formed by the UN’s aviation agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is to present its findings in September.

“While states work through ICAO to develop and implement performance-based global standards, the industry is committed to moving forward with recommendations that airlines can implement now,” said Hiatt.

He acknowledged, however, that airlines alone can decide if they want to implement such standards.