The low-cost airline business model has only been around for a couple of decades, but it has developed a major presence in the airline business.
According to PWC, low-cost airlines account for more than 25% of the world's aviation business.
From a pool of 449 carriers around the world, AirlineRatings.com selected the 10 safest low-cost and leisure charter airlines in the world.
To compile its list, the website evaluated each airline based on its standing with international regulators, its fatality record over the past 10 years, its results from an International Air Transportation Association(IATA) safety audit, and whether the airline's country of origin conforms with the International Civil Aviation Organization's 8-point safety parameters.
All of the airlines on this list passed those tests with flying colors.
Aer Lingus — Ireland's national carrier — operates a hybrid low-cost model that offers some of full service luxuries on its long-haul routes. The airline has not suffered a fatal accident since the 1960s.
Alaska Airlines: According to AirlineRatings.com, the Seattle-based airline has had the best on-time performance of any North American-based carrier three years running. Alaska Airlines has not had a fatal accident since 2000.
Icelandair: The Reykjavik-based carrier operates a hybrid low-cost business model using a fleet of Boeing 757 jets. Complementary meals are offered on economy comfort and its business class, but not in economy. Icelandair has not had a fatal accident since the late 1970s.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider