The world’s airlines experienced fewer accidents but a greater number of fatalities last year, compared with 2015.

According to the latest data from IATA, the global accident rate was just 1.61 per million flights in 2016, an improvement from 1.79 in the previous year. In total there were 65 accidents (including 10 fatal accidents) with 268 fatalities last year, compared to 68 accidents (four of which were deadly) with 136 fatalities in 2015.

2016’s figures mark an improvement compared to the five-year average of 81 accidents (13.4 fatal) and 371 fatalities per year between 2011 and 2015.

“Last year some 3.8 billion travellers flew safely on 40.4 million flights. The number of total accidents, fatal accidents and fatalities all declined versus the five-year average, showing that aviation continues to become safer,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general & CEO. “We did take a step back on some key parameters from the exceptional performance of 2015; however, flying is still the safest form of long distance travel.

“And safety remains the top priority of all involved in aviation. The goal is for every flight to depart and arrive without incident. And every accident redoubles our efforts to achieve that,” he added.

In terms of jet aircraft, Asia Pacific’s accident rate declined to 0.38 per million flights, compared to an average of 0.42 in the previous five years. The accident rate for turboprop aircraft was higher for Asia Pacific, at 1.88 per million flights. North Asian airlines were completely accident-free in 2016.

Two of the deadliest air crashes in 2016 were Egyptair flight 804, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea whilst carrying 66 passengers and crew from Paris to Cairo, and flydubai flight 981, which crashed in Russia claiming the lives of all 62 passengers and crew.