Thread: Are budget airlines safe?

IATA compile a list of banned airlines , that is airlines banned from utilising European airspace. Do a google search, it's very accessible , that would be a good start.

As a qualified Air Safety Investigator I will say that one area that all budget airlines fall down is maintenance. many in the US have failed because of a major crash that could have been avoided with better maintenance. They generally fly around the clock so any maintenance is done quickly or in a less than ideal time slot and environment. If you look at timetables for budget airlines they fly at odd hours and often use second rate airports and facilities to cut costs. They will also have very low fuel reserves to save weight and fuel. Not so good when the weather turns bad. I would have no problem flying with any of them in Australia though except maybe the feline variety. I think they have pulled their socks up though.