In 2015 there were 16 deadly crashes resulting in 560 fatalities.

ASN President Harro Ranter: “Since 1997 the average number of airliner accidents has shown a steady and persistent decline, for a great deal thanks to the continuing safety-driven efforts by international aviation organisations such as ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organisation], Iata, Flight Safety Foundation and the aviation industry.”

The deadliest incident involved the downing of the Metrojet flight 9268 where 224 people were killed.

Just three previous years (1988, 1983, 1985) had a higher death toll of accidents, which could likely be attributed to sabotage, shoot downs and pilot suicide, the ASN said.

Two out of 16 jets involved were operated by airlines on the EU black list.

Although 2015 was judged the safest in terms of fatal accidents it was only the fifth safest in terms of fatalities.