After careful evaluation and feedback from the airline and aviation industry AirlineRatings.com has upgraded its 7-star safety rating system to give more importance to IOSA. IOSA – the International Air Transport Association Operation Safety Audit – was first introduced in 2003 to curb the disturbing trend in airline accidents and improve safety that could be attributed to simple processes and maintenance programs. SEE our video "Dispelling the myths of flying." COMPARE countries and airline safety ratings here with our unique safety rating tool Since it was introduced airlines that have completed IOSA have up to a four-fold better safety record than airlines that do not do the audit. Of significant importance to Airlineratings.com is that the audit is done every two years and covers over 1060 parameters. AirlineRatings.com now awards an airline that has completed IOSA three stars. The rating agency has reduced the stars allocated for ICAO compliance from 2 to 1. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was created to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. It has 8 audit parameters that pertain to safety and they are; Legislation, Organization, Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, Accident Investigation, Air Navigation Service and Aerodromes. To achieve the one star the airline's country of origin must pass six of the eight audits. Half a star is awarded if it passes five and no star for under five. Within 5 percent compliance with the world's average is considered a pass. The other main criteria are;

1. Is the airline on the European Union (EU) Blacklist? If no a full star is awarded; if yes then no star is given.
2. Has the airline maintained a fatality free record for the past 10 years? If yes the airline is awarded a full star; if not then no star is given. A fatality is deemed as the death of crew and/or passengers whilst on board the aircraft due to an accident. If deaths occurred through acts of terrorism, high jackings OR pilot suicide they have not been included.
3. Is the airline FAA endorsed? If yes a full star is awarded; if not, no star is given.