Commercial aviation safety in Russia remains in line with the global trend – Rosaviatsia

:: Rosaviatsiya

In January through June 2024 the number of aviation events rated as accidents or serious incidents in commercial aviation in Russia decreased two-fold compared to the same period last year, to just three cases. None of the accidents resulted in fatalities. In general aviation the number of accidents increased to seven cases, according to data presented at the July meeting of Russia’s two aviation authorities – Rosaviatsia (Federal agency of air transport) and Rostransnadzor (Federal agency for transport oversight).

In 2023 eight accidents occurred with commercial aviation aircraft. Additionally, 13 accidents occurred with general aviation aircraft. Last year showed a 1.5 times reduction in safety-related occurrences compared to 2022. For the last decade, only 2019 was better in terms of aviation safety.

The level of aviation safety in commercial aviation is referenced against the ICAO data for global commercial aviation industry. The indicator that used for assessment is the number of incidents per 1 million scheduled flights operated by aircraft with MTOW of 5,700 kg or more. Russian indicator is level with the global trend, and there is no evidence of any negative dynamics in aviation safety, Rosaviatsiya emphasized.

Russian airlines currently employ 14,300 flight crew members, the number of aircraft technicians is about 6,500. Despite the fact, that some Russian airlines continue to hire new pilots (non type-rated college and university graduates), albeit at a much slower rates than before, the number of pilots has remained roughly the same, indicating loss of more experienced pilots to other markets.

“According to report by Interstate Aviation Committee (the CIS-wide body responsible for incident investigation), Russian commercial aviation is currently demonstrating the highest safety record for the last 18 years. However, it is no reason to relax. There are still factors that are impacting aviation safety and which need to be addressed,” head of Rosaviatsiya Dmitry Yadrov summarized.