Fact Check: Is Ethiopian Airlines safe?

Is Ethiopian Airlines Safe?

Introduction

The safety of Ethiopian Airlines has come under scrutiny, particularly following high-profile incidents such as the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. This has led to questions about the overall safety record of the airline, which is the largest carrier in Africa. Various sources present differing perspectives on the airline's safety, prompting a deeper investigation into its historical performance, regulatory oversight, and current safety practices.

What We Know

1. Accident History: Ethiopian Airlines has experienced a total of 64 accidents and incidents since its inception, resulting in 459 fatalities as of March 2019. This includes the tragic crash of Flight 302, which involved a Boeing 737 MAX and was linked to issues with the aircraft's flight control systems 21.

2. Safety Ratings: Various organizations have rated Ethiopian Airlines' safety record differently. AirlineRatings.com, for example, has given Ethiopian Airlines a safety rating that reflects its operational practices and accident history 10. In contrast, some lists of the "most dangerous airlines" have included Ethiopian Airlines due to its accident history 4.

3. Regulatory Oversight: Ethiopian Airlines is subject to oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, which has acknowledged the airline's safety program. The FAA's involvement suggests a level of compliance with international safety standards 6.

4. Recent Incidents: Reports of recent incidents, such as a runway excursion involving a Boeing 787-8 in December 2023, highlight ongoing operational challenges, although such incidents do not necessarily correlate with overall safety 3.

5. Public Perception: Despite its accident history, Ethiopian Airlines has been described as having a "proud history" and a "very good safety record" by aviation experts. The airline has invested in modernizing its fleet and enhancing safety protocols 78.

Analysis

The claim regarding Ethiopian Airlines' safety can be evaluated through various lenses, including accident history, regulatory compliance, and expert opinions.

• Accident Statistics: While the number of accidents (64) and fatalities (459) is significant, it is essential to contextualize these figures within the broader aviation landscape. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the global aviation industry has seen substantial improvements in safety over the years, with the risk of accidents decreasing significantly 9. Thus, while Ethiopian Airlines has had notable incidents, its safety record may not be as dire when compared to historical trends.

• Source Reliability: The sources consulted vary in reliability. Wikipedia, while a useful starting point, can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current or accurate information 2. In contrast, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are authoritative sources that provide regulatory oversight and detailed investigations into aviation incidents 16. However, it is crucial to note that the NTSB's comments are based on specific incidents and may not provide a comprehensive view of the airline's overall safety.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, such as travel blogs or airline rating websites, may have inherent biases based on their audience or business interests. For instance, travel-related blogs may emphasize positive aspects of an airline to encourage bookings, while safety-focused reports may highlight incidents to raise awareness 810.

• Methodology of Safety Ratings: The methodologies used by organizations to rate airline safety can vary significantly. For example, Executive Flyers' list of dangerous airlines considers recent accidents and serious incidents, which may not fully account for improvements in safety practices or fleet modernization 4.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim regarding the safety of Ethiopian Airlines is deemed "Partially True" based on the evidence reviewed. The airline has a notable accident history, with 64 incidents resulting in 459 fatalities, which raises valid concerns about its safety record. However, it is important to contextualize these figures within the broader aviation industry, which has seen significant improvements in safety over the years.

While Ethiopian Airlines has faced scrutiny, it is also recognized for its compliance with international safety standards and ongoing investments in fleet modernization and safety protocols. The mixed ratings from various safety organizations further illustrate the complexity of evaluating the airline's safety.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in source reliability and the varying methodologies used by organizations to assess airline safety. Therefore, while there are legitimate concerns regarding Ethiopian Airlines' safety, there are also factors that suggest it is not as dire as some portrayals may imply.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing the safety of airlines or any other claims.

Sources

1. National Transportation Safety Board. "Response to EAIB final report." NTSB
2. "Ethiopian Airlines accidents and incidents." Wikipedia. Wikipedia
3. "Air safety incidents for Ethiopian Airlines." AeroInside. AeroInside
4. "Most Dangerous Airlines - 2023." Executive Flyers. Executive Flyers
5. "The World's Safest Airlines for 2025." Airline Ratings. Airline Ratings
6. "Air Safety Incidents For Ethiopian Airlines - Is It Safe To Fly?" Airline Guidelines. Airline Guidelines
7. "Despite Recent Crash, Ethiopian Airlines Has Strong Safety Record." The Points Guy. The Points Guy
8. "Is It Safe To Travel Ethiopian Airlines?" Travel With The Greens. Travel With The Greens
9. "Aviation Safety Network." Aviation Safety Network
10. "Ethiopian Airlines Safety Rating." Airline Ratings. Airline Ratings