The global aviation industry reported lowest number of accidents involving passenger flights since 1945 making air travel the safest mode of travel globally. The year 2012 was an extremely safe year for civil aviation, reports Aviation Safety Network (ASN). The Aviation Safety Network recorded a total of 23 fatal airliner accidents, resulting in 475 fatalities and 36 ground fatalities. Both figures are extremely lower than the ten-year average of 34 accidents and 773 fatalities.

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

Not only this, 2012 also marked the longest period without a fatal airliner accident in modern aviation history. This record period of 68 days ended on January 30 with the crash of an Antonov 28. The Bhoja Air Boeing 737 accident on April 20 ended the longest period (632 days, since July 28, 2010) without an airliner accident killing over 100 people.

The worst accident of the year took place on June 3, 2012 when Nigeria-based Dana Air MD-83 crashed while on its way to Lagos, Nigeria, killing 153 on board and ten on the ground, ASN reported.

The Aviation Safety Network is an independent organisation located in the (professional) interest in aviation with up-to-date, complete and reliable authoritative information on airliner accidents and safety issues.

United Club lounge in Terminal 2 at Chicago O'Hare

United Airlines has unveiled its new United Club lounge in Terminal 2 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the first to feature a new design prototype that the airline will use when building and renovating lounges worldwide. 

The 13,300 square foot United Club features a completely redesigned interior that reflects elements of flight and travel. United has outfitted the club with an expansive bar and lounge area, dynamic lighting, redesigned furniture and additional workstations and power outlets. The new and improved furnishings enable customers to relax or work with greater ease and comfort.

"The new United Club offers customers an improved airport lounge experience," said Jim Compton, vice chairman and chief revenue officer at United. "We are investing in our products, on the ground and in the air, to enable our customers to be more comfortable and productive."

"We are committed to improving the facilities our customers use every day," said Kate Gebo, vice president of corporate real estate at United. "In addition to redesigning our lounges, we are installing new jet bridges in Chicago, rebuilding the south concourse in Terminal B in Houston and building new maintenance hangars at Washington Dulles and Newark to improve efficiency and help us better serve our customers."

As with all United Club lounges, members have access to complimentary snacks, beverages and Wi-Fi. United is spending more than $50 million in 2013 to renovate several of the airline's 51 United Club locations.