Is Sky Express a Safe Airline? Safety Record, Ratings & Review

Sky Express is a safe airline. This Greek airline holds the highest safety rating from independent aviation platforms. Moreover, this 3-star low-cost carrier complies with all EU Regulations. Also, it has all the necessary regulatory certifications. Alongside, this carrier has had no fatal accidents since it has been in operation.

Hence, in terms of flight experience, flyers found Sky Express flights to be professional and punctual. However, for others, flying in smaller planes is not comfortable. Additionally, many passengers reported experiencing delays often with their flights. Despite these issues, most flyers still find Sky Express to be a good airline in terms of safe operations.

Is Sky Express a Safe Airline to Fly?

Yes, Sky Express is a secure airline to fly. It holds all the required certifications to operate as a commercial air carrier within Europe. Additionally, it is regulated by the same rules and procedures as other major European airlines, such as Aegean and Lufthansa. Furthermore, it is subject to ongoing routine audits and inspections.

The current certifications of Sky Express are:

• EASA AOC (Air Operator Certificate): Valid and active, and permits operations in European airspace.
• IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA): Registered since 2012 and renewed every 2 years.
• Greek Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) License: Full operating authority with no restrictions.
• EU Air Safety List: Not on EU banned carrier list.
• ICAO Compliance: Greece has an oversight rating for safety.
• Aircraft A/W Certificate: Sky Express has an A/W Certificate.

How Safe is the Fleet of Sky Express?

Sky Express has one of the youngest fleets in Greece. These aircraft include ATR turboprop airplanes and Airbus A320/321neo jets. Their average age is between two and four years. Focused on new technology, these planes adhere to the European standards of safety.

• There are 29 aircraft operating under Sky Express, including:
  • 14 ATR 72-600
  • 13 Airbus A320neo
  • 2 Airbus A321neo
• The average age of the fleet is 2.5 to 4 years.
• The seating capacity of ATR 72-600 is for up to 72 passengers
• These are designed for use at short runway airports and on islands
• It is equipped with modern avionics, such as a glass cockpit.
• The capacity of Airbus A320neo is for 180 – 220 passengers.
• These feature CFM International LEAP-1A engines.
• They use 15-20% less fuel than older aircraft. 
• Additionally, they reduce noise emissions by up to 50%.
• Also, these planes has advanced fly-by-wire flight control system.

Has Sky Express Ever Had a Crash?

Sky Express does not have any record of a fatal crash. There have been some minor incidents in its history. But there have been no deaths among passengers or crew members. In addition, their fleet of modern aircraft has not experienced any in-flight accidents.

Safety Record of Sky Express:

• Fatal Accidents: 0
• Passenger Deaths: 0
• Major Crashes: 0

Recent Incidents:

• On 12 February 2009, a Jetstream 31 landing gear failure after landing at Rhodes International Airport (RHO).
• 5 passengers and 3 crew members were on board.
• No injuries were reported.
• The aircraft’s structure was damaged and registered off.
• On 2 February 2015, a Jetstream 41’s left main landing gear failed at Rhodes Diagoras Airport.
• There were 16 travelers and 3 crew onboard, without injuries.
• On 21 June 2019, the engine failed during a flight from Heraklion to Rhodes.
• It resulted in an emergency landing at Karpathos Airport.
• 47 passengers were safely evacuated.
• None was injured
• All these incidents were either with older Jetstream airplanes or involved landing/ground operations.
• No major safety incidents have occurred through the present fleet, including:
  • ATR 72-600 
  • Airbus A320neo/A321neo

What is Sky Express Safety Rating?

Through AirlineRatings.com, Sky Express has achieved a 7/7 safety rating. This achievement sets it apart from many other carriers. It provides evidence of its performance in terms of safety standards.

With this rating, Sky Express:

• Proves a positive incident history
• Passed audits conducted by several platforms
• Has had no fatal accidents
• Has met all compliance requirements set forth by international aviation safety regulations

Is Sky Express a Good Airline Based on Passengers’ Reviews?

For Sky Express, there are mixed passenger reviews. Although they appreciate the cleanliness and modern features of the planes, they complain about delay times, baggage claim, and slow customer service. Usually, passengers’ complaints are about the following:

• Additional fees for baggage/seat selection.
• Long airport queues during the peak travel season.
• Delay issues and limited rebooking flexibility.
• Strong enforcement of baggage weight limits.
• Slow baggage delivery times or improperly handled bags.
• Customer support not appropriate.

Conclusion

Sky Express is a good airline that provides affordable services in Greece and Europe. Also, it focuses on safe operations by using modern aircraft. While service and delays do vary, it is a good option for those seeking budget-friendly travel.

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