The flag carrier of New Zealand has topped the list of AirlineRatings, an airline review site, which found Air New Zealand to be the safest airline in the world.
The top ten places on the list are dominated by Asia-Pacific and Middle East airlines, including the Australian airline Qantas, which typically competes with Air New Zealand for the crown.
Turkish Airlines has been named as the safest airline in Europe, in 13th place overall, while TAP Portugal sits in 14th position.
Elsewhere, Ryanair has been cited as the safest budget airline in Europe, with easyJet in second place.
In a statement, easyJet said: "We take our security and safety obligations very seriously.
"All our planes are checked prior to departure and undergo regular safety checks. Our cabin crew are trained to support you and ensure your comfort and safety at all times."
Meanwhile, airBaltic - the Latvian airline - is also proud to have been named as one of the safest low-cost airlines in Europe.
Martin Gauss, the company's CEO, observed that the result underscores airBaltic's "commitment to excellence".
He said: "Safety is and always will remain our top priority at airBaltic.
"Our dedicated teams work tirelessly to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for our flight crew and passengers. Being recognised on such a global scale underscores our commitment to excellence."
The AirlineRatings report is based on multiple data points, as well as consultations with pilots and other industry experts. The findings even consider an airline's profitability, which often bares a strong correlation with general safety standards.
