We are closely following developments in the investigation of the Germanwings 9525 tragedy. Safety is the top priority of everyone involved in the aviation industry. We are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible event.

“Words cannot adequately express the sorrow that we all feel. Our thoughts are with the friends and families of all those involved in this unthinkable tragedy,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“People should be re-assured that flying remains the safest way to travel. Any accident is one too many. People can take further confidence in the well-established and constant determination of the aviation industry and governments to make this safe industry even safer. Each day about nine million people board aircraft as passengers. We work as hard as possible to earn and keep their trust by transporting them safely to their destination,” said Tyler.

Airlines are licensed by national governments. They comply with the safety regulations and procedures of those national governments. This includes procedures with respect to cockpit access and medical requirements. Through experience and sharing of best practices many will exceed those requirements with their own company policies.

Thorough accident investigation is a pillar of the industry’s safety performance. The complete understanding of the full picture of the causes of any accident helps the aviation industry to constantly improve its performance. There is an internationally recognized approach to air accident investigation which the industry fully supports.

Outside of that process, some early conclusions have been reached by the French Prosecutor in a criminal investigation of this tragedy. With the Prosecutor’s shocking revelations yesterday, individual carriers around the world are already looking at their procedures. This proactive approach is characteristic of an industry that places safety at the top of its priority list.

It is, however, imperative that the air accident investigation is fully completed in order to determine any and all outcomes which can help prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. The interests of aviation safety are best served by considerations made in light of full and complete information and understanding of any accident, or issue concerning safety or security.

IATA press release