When deciding on which airline to fly travelers consider a dozen key factors including operational safety, passenger reviews, profitability, investment rating, fleet age, and product offerings such as premium economy on long-haul flights and seating options in other classes.
Safety is always a priority and the U.S. and EU governments both keep lists of airlines they consider unsafe. The U.S. government actually blacklists entire countries based on assessments of the countries’ airline-safety standards.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines or 82% of total air traffic. We support many areas of aviation activity and help formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.
From 57 founding members in 1945, IATA now represents some 290 airlines in 120 countries. Carrying 82% of the world’s air traffic, IATA members include the world’s leading passenger and cargo airlines.
IATA membership is open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services that maintain an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration.