AirlineRatings unveiled its 2026 ranking on 13/1, assessing 320 airlines globally based on their adherence to international safety standards. Vietnam Airlines joined major carriers like Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways in the top 25.

Aircraft of Vietnam Airlines. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

AirlineRatings' evaluation criteria encompass incident rates per total flights, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training, and safety audits. This year, the focus was intensified on turbulence prevention, identified as a primary cause of in-flight injuries.

A Vietnam Airlines representative stated that the airline employs advanced weather display, forecasting, and evaluation software. This technology simultaneously assesses various meteorological factors and terrain specifics to develop operational plans and provide early warnings to pilots, thereby minimizing the impact of in-flight turbulence on passenger safety.

Ms. Sharon Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of AirlineRatings, acknowledged Vietnam Airlines' improved ranking for 2026. She noted this reflects progress in fleet quality, safety systems, industry assessment results, low incident rates, and operational stability. Furthermore, Vietnam's aviation safety oversight has strengthened, as demonstrated by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assessments, benefiting both domestic carriers and airlines operating flights to and from Vietnam.

Mr. Dinh Van Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, stated that the airline regularly conducts risk assessment meetings. It also invests in technology, enhances human resource training, and refines operational procedures to international standards. "Vietnam Airlines maintaining its position in the Top 25 safest traditional airlines globally for 2026 demonstrates the international reach of Vietnamese aviation," Mr. Tuan emphasized.

Vietnam Airlines engineers maintain aircraft engines. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines received its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2006 and maintained it for 10 years. The airline developed its Safety Management System (SMS) in 2007, meeting the highest international safety standards. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam approved this system as a model for other domestic aviation units to develop and complete safety documentation. In 2023, IATA selected Vietnam Airlines to host the World Safety and Operations Conference.

AirlineRatings is an aviation safety and product rating website, utilized by millions of passengers to select airlines based on various rating scales. It provides air travel information and answers related inquiries.

Yen Chi