Here are the world’s 10 safest airlines: Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways

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Anyone who fears flying can take some comfort from this list of the world's 10 safest airlines.

Australian airliner Qantas' fatality-free record has propelled it to the top of a list, which was compiled by ratings website AirlineRatings.com.

"Over its 94-year history Qantas has amassed an extraordinary record of firsts in safety and operations and is now accepted as the world's most experienced airline," it said.

Other firms included in the prestigious list were (in alphabetical order): Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The list doesn't rank airlines but groups them according to a star-safety rating.

There's also a list of the world's safest low cost airlines, which comprised (in alphabetical order): Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, Icelandair, Jetblue, Jetstar, Kulula.com, Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook, TUI Fly and Westjet.

"Unlike a number of low cost carriers, these airlines have all passed the stringent International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit and have excellent safety standards." 

Of the 499 airlines rated worldwide, 149 earned a seven-star rating however nearly 50 had three stars or less, AirLinesRating.com said.

The four airlines which achieved just one star were Kam Air, Nepal Airlines, Scat and Tara Air.

The ten safest airlines (in alphabetical order apart from Qantas):

  1. Qantas Air 
  2. Air New Zealand
  3. British Airways
  4. Cathay Pacific Airways
  5. Emirates
  6. Etihad Airways
  7. EVA Air
  8. Finnair
  9. Lufthansa
  10. Singapore Airlines

The ten safest low cost airlines (in alphabetical order):

  1. Aer Lingus
  2. Alaska Airlines
  3. Icelandair
  4. Jetblue
  5. Jetstar
  6. Kulula.com
  7. Monarch Airlines
  8. Thomas Cook
  9. TUI Fly
  10. Westjet