IATA’s 2025 safety record contrasts with 2026 incidents

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) declared 2025 as the safest year in commercial aviation history, citing the lowest fatality risk on record. However, 2026 has already witnessed several aviation incidents, including a tragic midair collision on 2 August between two Bell firefighting helicopters in Greece, resulting in two fatalities. This discrepancy underscores the importance of scrutinising individual flight safety rather than relying solely on industry averages.

Jettly, a private aviation marketplace, emphasises that whilst industry-wide statistics reflect fleet safety, they do not account for individual flights. Justin Crabbe, CEO and Founder of Jettly, stated, "In 2026, air charter clients shouldn't have to rely on blind trust or generic industry ratings. True safety isn't built on faith; it’s built on full operational transparency."

The Greek helicopter collision is under investigation, with factors such as human error, mechanical failure, and communication breakdowns being considered. These issues are consistent with findings from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which reports that accidents often occur during critical flight phases like departure and approach.

For US charter clients, Jettly advises verifying specific safety credentials before booking. Key considerations include:

- The operator's FAA Part 135 certificate and any additional safety ratings.
- The pilot-in-command's experience and recent flight history.
- The aircraft's maintenance programme and inspection records.
- The operator's policies on weather and fatigue management.

Jettly's platform aims to provide these details, enabling travellers to assess safety at the flight level rather than relying on industry averages.

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.