The aviation industry’s safety management record will be tested in the future by a number of new risks, including the increasing likelihood of cyber attacks, a greater reliance on automation and the anticipated growth of drones in commercial use, according to a report–Global Aviation Safety Study–developed by the Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty in association with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The study also looked at an anticipated future shortage of skilled workforce members including pilots, as well as the risk associated with the prospect of increased air turbulence driven by climate change.

The insurance company’s report showed that North America and Europe still enjoy the best commercial safety records, while Africa was the worst performer with 88 percent of global aviation fatalities in 2012.

In an analysis of large insurance claims in excess of $1.36 million (€1 million), unsurprisingly, aircraft accidents are the major cause of loss in terms of number of claims generated (23 percent) and subsequent value (37 percent). However, almost as many aviation claims by number (18 percent) relate to ground handling and 16 percent to mechanical failure.