During its flight from Auckland on 31 May 2024 one of the aeroplane’s three hydraulic systems failed, disabling nosewheel steering and the right engine’s thrust reverser. The flight crew followed standard operating procedures and continued with the flight to land at Christchurch where they planned to use differential braking to steer off the runway on to the rapid exit taxiway.

The landing went according to plan until the turn when the crew lost directional control and the aeroplane veered off the taxiway, hit an aerodrome signboard and continued across the grass until stopping back on the main runway. Nobody was injured but hitting the sign caused significant damage to an engine.

The Commission found the captain had unintentionally moved the thrust levers from maximum reverse to climb power when they meant to move the levers to forward idle for taxiing. The lever position went unnoticed, the engines responded and the aeroplane accelerated.

Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook says it’s likely the engines spooling up startled the pilot, who responded instinctively, pulling both thrust levers back to maximum reverse. This produced reverse thrust on the left, but – due to the hydraulic failure – forward thrust on the right, and created a leftward turning force. “On the face of it, this option appeared safe and achievable to the pilots because Airbus documentation, repeated in Jetstar’s Flight Crew Techniques Manual, provided no guidance on use of differential braking specifically for steering off the runway via a rapid exit. The pilots could have planned to stop on the runway and wait for a tow but to avoid blocking the runway and delaying other flights, they opted for the rapid exit they had often used before. They were likely so focused on making that exit that they missed important cues that the position of the thrust levers was not as intended.”

To prevent a reoccurrence, Jetstar have since changed their guidance to flight crews who find themselves in a similar situation. Airbus has accepted the Commission’s recommendation to revise aircraft manuals and instructor guidance to mitigate the risk that other pilots may move the thrust levers while on the ground to an unintended position, which would lead to an unexpected increase in engine thrust. Airbus plans to do this in April and May 2026.

This accident also highlights the importance of maintenance engineers conducting a detailed inspection of new parts for potential damage before installation. In this case, a titanium hydraulic pipe was just 1mm out of shape – slightly oval, not round. It is very likely the deformity occurred when the pipe’s packaging was damaged in transit between Airbus warehouses in 2015. The damage was not detected before or after installation and failed after 18 months of service.

Credits: JetStar

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Qatar was named at the top of Australian-based aviation safety and product rating agency AirlineRatings.com‘s annual list when it was announced on Thursday.

It marks a return to prime spot for Qatar after it was pipped by Korean Air in the 2025 list. It is the 10th time Qatar has topped the list.

“It was a tight competition at the top, but Qatar’s value proposition, combined with a superior economy product and award-winning business class, secured that top position once again,” AirlineRatings.com chief executive Sharon Petersen said.

Qatar sealed its place at the top with consistent good service and innovation.

“Qatar Airways has consistently delivered a premium product across all cabins, ensuring economy passengers are not left behind,” Petersen said.

“At AirlineRatings.com, we have independently travelled on many global airlines over the past 12 months, and Qatar Airways consistently provides a flawless experience, further cementing its commitment to product and service consistency.”

The 2026 award comes as Qatar continues to limit flights amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“Qatar Airways will operate a revised limited number of flights from March 18 to March 28. These schedules have been enhanced to give more flexibility to passengers wishing to travel,” the airline said in its latest website update.

“Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace.”

Air travel across the Middle East remains severely disrupted by the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran, which has triggered widespread airspace closures and operational challenges for airlines.

Key aviation corridors have been shut or restricted, forcing carriers to cancel flights or reroute aircraft on longer, more costly paths. Surging jet fuel prices and heightened safety concerns have compounded the crisis.

Where the rest came

Korean Air, which was acknowledged for the strength of its economy cabin in 2025, fell to fourth spot this year.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines filled the second and third spots.

Qantas was just outside the top 10 at 12th, pipped by transtasman rival Air New Zealand at ninth.

Qantas had better luck with its budget division, Jetstar, which was runner-up in the global rankings for low-cost carriers – and named best low-cost long-haul airline. Jetstar was also No.2 in the low-cost list for 2025.

“Jetstar Airways has built a strong network across Asia-Pacific using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, offering passengers low fares alongside optional add-ons such as meals, baggage, and seat selection,” AirlineRatings.com noted.

“The inclusion of inflight entertainment, seatback power, and a 30-inch seat (76-centimetre) pitch makes it a more attractive option over other low-cost long-haul carriers.”

There was also special commendation for Jetstar’s onboard inflight entertainment options and in-seat power.

HK Express, which is owned by Cathay Pacific, was named the world’s No.1 budget carrier.

“HK Express may not appear the obvious choice for the world’s best low-cost carrier, forgoing extras like Wi Fi and inflight entertainment that many top 10 competitors now offer,” Petersen said.

“However, where it wins is its consistently excellent cabin crew and undoubtedly the world’s best low-cost carrier onboard menu. The menu, which we have been able to sample, is a defining highlight, offering a true taste of traditional Hong Kong street food alongside a selection of international favourites. The culinary experience is as much a part of the journey as the destination itself.”

AirAsia was in third while fourth went to AirBaltic and fifth to Singapore airline’s budget carrier Scoot.

Credits: Qatar Airways

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