Airline Safety Posture: Evidence from Service‐Difficulty Reports

Abstract

This study looks at the concept of airline safety posture. This concept is introduced to reflect how well an airline is positioned for safety operations. Fortunately, airline accidents are far too rare for meaningful statistical analysis of airline safety. However, the incidence of incidents that could represent safety hazards but do not necessarily result in accidents is relatively frequent and lends itself to such analysis. Difficulties encountered during operation are usually reported as service difficulty reports (SDRs). Despite the many problems in the reports, not the least of which is inadequate reporting, the writers use SDRs as an indicator of safety posture. A statistical analysis suggests that airline deregulation has not adversely affected the safety posture of airlines. It is also found that the safety posture of postderegulation new entrants is not significantly different from that of established airlines. There is evidence that the larger carriers have a better safety posture than the smaller ones, and that service difficulties increase with stage length.