Puritan -
Oh yes there is a potential effect on safety!
Thought that might be controversial
The way I look at it, aviation safety has been continually improving over many years, and the locos have not influenced any change in that trend. Looking at the time preceding the arrival of locos, there were some outfits whose activities may have been regarded as questionable. Even major international airlines have faced criticism over safety procedures following incidents or accidents.
The advantage the locos have had is access to brand new aircraft at a time of cheap and plentiful credit. So they are not generally operating ancient aircraft, but factory-fresh examples of the most recent technology. That helps them stay safe too.
In fairness, you did say 'potential', but then there's always 'potential' for everything....
