Etihad Airways has achieved a significant milestone in aviation safety by earning the 7-Star PLUS Safety Rating from AirlineRatings. This accolade recognizes the airline's high standards of onboard safety and operational excellence, positioning it as the first Gulf carrier to attain this level and one of the few airlines globally to do so.
The rating results from meticulous audits, including participation in IOSA, evaluations from local safety authorities, and an incident-free safety record. The airline successfully passed six anonymous onboard inspections across various flight types, demonstrating consistent performance on over 70 safety points.
Significance of the 7-Star PLUS Rating
This rating not only offers reassurance to passengers amid concerns about travel safety but also emphasizes the human factors involved in aviation safety. AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen highlighted the importance of onboard safety checks and overarching safety culture, noting that such acknowledgment underscores Etihad’s unwavering commitment to safety standards.
“It was a privilege to audit one of the world’s leading international airlines—an aviation brand we have long admired. The onboard safety standards, particularly pre-departure and landing checks, were meticulous and consistently applied,” said Josh Wood, Safety and Service Quality Manager at AirlineRatings.
As more airlines pursue the highest safety classifications, the 7-Star PLUS rating serves as a benchmark for excellence, encouraging continuous improvement in safety protocols and passenger experience.
