ICAO: 2013 is safest year on record

   The International Civil Aviation Organization reports that 2013 was the safest year on record in terms of fatalities for scheduled international air operations. 
   Although the number of fatal accidents involving scheduled commercial operations stayed steady at nine during 2013, ICAO said, fatalities themselves dropped to 173 from 372 in 2012.
   “These results are no surprise given the level of commitment our sector demonstrates, year-in and year-out, to improving the safety of the global air transport network,” stated ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin. “Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the level of cooperation and partnership on aviation safety priorities, and we are now seeing the fruits of these efforts borne out by these remarkable 2013 outcomes.”
   For 2013, there were no fatal accidents in the Middle East; one in Africa; one in Asia/Pacific; two in Europe; and five in the Americas. ICAO also noted that seven of the nine accidents happened during the approach or go-around phases of a flight.