Cyberattacks, drones add threats to planes

Cyberattacks and commercial drones pose a growing threat to commercial aircraft, according to a major insurer.

There has been a long-term decline in accidents and insurance premiums as technical advances in aircraft design and navigation systems have reduced the chance of dying in a plane crash. However, the reliance on computers poses new types of risks.

"Cyberterrorism may replace the hijacker and bomber and become the weapon of choice on attacks against the aviation community," German insurer Allianz said in a review published on Thursday.