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Message from the Accident Classification Task Force (ACTF) Secretary: Hanada Said

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the IATA Annual Safety Report highlights its evolution over the decades. Since its launch in 1964, it has become an indispensable tool for tracking and enhancing commercial aviation safety.

Over the years, the IATA Annual Safety Report has evolved, embracing new technologies and methodologies to improve its effectiveness. It’s transition to today’s digital platform is an example of this progress, making the report more accessible and user-friendly for users across the globe.

 A major strength of the IATA Annual Safety Report lies in its data-driven approach. The report provides the user the capability to analyse comprehensive data sets, identify trends, patterns, and safety issues, and enables stakeholders to develop targeted strategies for improvement. The IATA Accident Classification Task Force (ACTF) enhances this approach by validating accidents, pinpointing contributing factors, and formulating recommendations to mitigate high-risk categories.

The latest version of the IATA Annual Safety Report introduces features that enhance its usability and functionality. The ability to access and visualize global and regional commercial aviation accident data since 2005 marks a substantial improvement. It also enables users to check the status of final accident investigation reports by region.

Utilizing this comprehensive data resource, the aviation community can make informed decisions and drive continuous improvements in aviation safety. As we mark the 60th anniversary milestone of the report, it's essential to reflect on the progress achieved and reaffirm our commitment to prioritizing safety in commercial aviation.

For any questions please contact us at safety@iata.org

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.
Tel: +41 22 770 2967 / corpcomms@iata.org

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Watch our User Guide video to learn more about how to use and take full advantage of our Interactive Safety Report

Safety Report Methods and Assumptions

The IATA Annual Safety Report is intended to present the most current information at the time of publication. Please note the following caveats:

  • The accidents analyzed and the categories and contributing factors assigned to those accidents are based on the best available information at the time of classification by the ACTF.
  • Many accident investigations are not complete when the ACTF meets to classify the year’s events and additional facts may be uncovered during an investigation that could change the currently assigned classifications in the future.
  • The sectors used to create the accident rates are the most up-to-date available at the time of production.
  • Results of analysis from 2019– 2023 reports are used as benchmarks for comparison; however, historical numbers presented in this 2023 Safety Report may not exactly match earlier editions due to accident data/sectors updates during the intervening period.
  • Learn more about HRC and their DIPs
  • Learn more about recommendations for accident prevention
  • Learn more about the IATA Annual Safety Report and accident data across multiple regions, aviation sectors, and other selectable filters
  • Learn more about the ACTF, please refer to the section below

Accident Classification Task Force (ACTF)

The ACTF, which reports to the IATA Safety Group (SG), is charged with validating and categorizing accidents arising from commercial aviation operations. This includes scheduled/charter passenger or cargo services, with a certified maximum aircraft take-off weight (MTOW) of at least 5,700 kg (12,540 lb.). The ACTF is composed of safety experts from IATA member airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), professional associations and federations, as well as other industry stakeholders.

All accidents included in the IATA Annual Safety Report website are reviewed, validated and classified by the ACTF. Taxonomies are an important tool for our classification scheme. Common and appropriate taxonomies and definitions create a uniform industry language which enhance the accuracy of data analysis and communication The ACTF is reviewing its taxonomy and definitions for aviation accidents in an effort to ensure they reflect industry best practices. This work is ongoing and is expected to be completed with SG endorsement in 2024.

The list of members will be included here.

2023 ACTF members:

Andreas Poehlitz
(Chair)
LUFTHANSA

Shannon Masters 
DELTA  AIR LINES

Mark Diaz
THE BOEING COMPANY

Suha Senol
(Vice-Chair)
TURKISH AIRLINES

Luis Savio dos Santos
EMBRAER
Kate Keogh
UNITED AIRLINES 

Anara Nurpeissova 
AIR ASTANA

Paulo Soares Oliveira Filho
EMBRAER
Patrick Jordan
VEREINIGUNG COCKPIT
Denis Kozbagarov
AIR ASTANA
Rodrigo Pessano Coelho 
GOL LINHAS AÉREAS
David Schöne
VEREINIGUNG COCKPIT E.V. (VC)
Jeffrey Mee
AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION (ALPA)

Ruben Morales
HK EXPRESS

Greg Brock
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION (WMO)
Paul Jouas
ATR
Yasuo Ishihara
HONEYWELL
Mark Searle
IATA

Renato Achoa 
AZUL AIRLINES

Gustavo Avila
HONG KONG EXPRESS

Gabriel Acosta
(Secretary)
IATA

Eric East
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES
Arnaud Du Bédat
IFALPA
Hanada Said
IATA
Martin Plumleigh
BOEING DIGITAL AVIATION 
SOLUTIONS/JEPPESEN
Taku Shiina
JAPAN AIRLINES

Nathan Toltesi
IATA

Colin Vollrath
DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA LIMITED
David Fisher
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
REGIONAL JET (MHIRJ)