It’s not easy operating an airline in Canada — a large country with three major hub airports in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, and a variety of weather challenges no matter the time of year. Nevertheless, the Canadian carriers demonstrated solid on-time performance in spring 2024, which bodes well for summer travel. Indeed, among North American airlines, WestJet was third, and Air Canada sixth, for on-time performance in May 2024.
In June 2024 (at the time of writing), the major Canadian carriers had comparatively high completion rates. Completion factor measures the number of flights flown compared to those scheduled. At the time of writing, Porter Airlines had a 99.52% completion factor, Flair Airlines at 99.27%, WestJet at 98.58%, and Air Canada posted 97% — with the latter on a significantly higher number of flights than its Canadian brethren.
Toronto-Pearson Airport: Marked Improvement
Toronto-Pearson Airport has faced challenges related to on-time performance in recovery from the pandemic. However, the airport has demonstrated consistent and improved departure performance in 2024 to date — even in the winter months of 2024. Toronto-Pearson’s D14% — the percentage of flights scheduled that departed within 14:59 of the scheduled departure time — consistently averaged around 70% in the first half of 2024 and into late June 2024. (Last June, Pearson’s D14% was around 59%). In May 2024, Toronto-Pearson had 70.96% of its flights depart on time, on around 14,500 flights. By way of comparison, the best performing U.S. airport in May 2024 was Salt Lake City, with 82.69% of flights departing on-time on around 10,000 flights. The best performing Canadian airport, Calgary International Airport, had a D14% of 77.07% on around 6,000 flights.
The Canadian Domestic Market: Seats Flown Up 6% in 2024
The Canadian airline industry has witnessed many changes in 2024 to date. Indeed, ultra-low cost carrier Lynx departed the market in bankruptcy, and long-time premium carrier Porter Airlines has taken delivery of Embraer E2-195 jets. At the time of writing, Porter has 33 jets in service, and is primed to increase its Canadian domestic flying by 63% (measured on seats flown) this July compared to last. WestJet will increase their July seats flown by 8% compared to last July. In contrast, ultra-low cost carrier Flair will fly 7.5% fewer seats this July 2024, compared to last July.
Transatlantic Flying from Canada to Europe: Up Almost 7% in 2024
Air Canada, Transat, and WestJet are the perennial airlines flying Canadian customers to European destinations, and vice-versa. Air Canada will fly twice as many seats as Air Transat, increasing its seat count by 3.3% this July compared to last. (These carriers will benefit from the general transatlantic demand, and phenomena such as North American customers seeking to enjoy Taylor Swift concerts or the Paris Olympics). Transat is up 6.2% on seats in July 2024 compared to July 2023, with WestJet increasing its seats flown by almost 20,000 seats in the month of July 2024 alone compared to July 2023.
Alex Brooker, VP of Research, Development and Discovery, Cirium
In the heart of the Middle East, a quiet revolution is taking place. The region’s aviation industry, long a symbol of ambition and growth, is undergoing a remarkable transformation that promises to reshape the future of air travel.
With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and passenger experience, the Middle East is poised to set new standards for the global aviation community. As global stakeholders gather for the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week, let’s explore the initiatives and specific regional opportunities.
At the forefront of this transformation is the United Arab Emirates, home to some of the world’s most renowned airlines and airports. Dubai-based Emirates Airline, a $29 billion entity, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.
With a fleet of over 250 aircraft and a network spanning more than 140 global destinations, Emirates has leveraged the latest technologies to deliver an exceptional passenger experience. From in-flight entertainment systems to biometric security measures, the airline’s commitment to innovation has set a high bar for the industry.
But Emirates is not alone in its pursuit of excellence. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and low-cost carriers like flydubai and Air Arabia have also made significant strides in enhancing their services and expanding their reach. For pure operational performance, Oman Air won Cirium’s regional OTP award for 2023 and was placed 3rd globally. In March 2024, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) was the second most on time airport globally with an on time departure of 87.32%. These airlines and airports have recognized the importance of adapting to changing customer needs and embracing sustainable practices to ensure long-term success. To that end, minimising cancelled flights and delays is something everyone can agree is a positive step – in what has been a challenging month for aviation in the region overall.
Cirium’s Middle East and Africa OTP Regional Update – Published April 2024
Middle East & Africa witnessed a 12% surge in the number of flights canceled in March. The region had 1,950 flights canceled compared to 1,739 last month. Safair (FA) was still the undisputed leader in both the Middle East & Africa region and the low-cost carrier category in March.
The airline concluded the month with an outstanding OTP of 96.67%, up nearly three points from 93.96% in February.
This was also the highest performance score among all carriers across all global regions and all categories. Oman Air (WY) followed in second place, also with an impressive OTP of 93.32%. With a remarkable thirteen-point increase over last month’s performance, Royal Jordanian (RJ) climbed from seventh to third place this month with an OTP of 89.68%. Gulf Air (GF) remained in fourth place with an OTP of 88.35%, a 4-point increase over February’s OTP of 84.08%. Qatar Airways (QR) finished the month in fifth place with an OTP of 87.36%, a 4-point increase over the previous month’s OTP of 83.27%. Airports in the region also showed huge improvements in their performance this month. King Khalid International Airport (RUH) secured the second-place spot in the global airports category with an OTP of 87.32% following a 4-point increase from last month’s OTP of 83.13%. Kuwait International Airport (KWI) delivered an OTP of 87.32%, up nearly 7 points from February’s performance of 80.51%. Meanwhile, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) turned in an OTP of 91.61%, a 2-point increase over last month’s OTP of 89.57%.
Innovation Hubs Enable Collaboration
One of the most exciting developments in the region’s aviation industry is the emergence of innovation hubs like Emirate’s Ebdaa in Dubai. Ebdaa serves as a catalyst for creativity, collaboration, and sustainable energy. This state-of-the-art facility brings together the brightest minds from universities, technology suppliers, and startups to drive the development of cutting-edge solutions. From hydrogen-powered aircraft prototypes to advanced air traffic management systems, the groundbreaking projects emerging from Ebdaa are testament to the region’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation.
But innovation is not limited to the development of new technologies. The Middle East’s aviation industry is also pioneering new approaches to training and passenger experience.
Emirates, for example, has also embraced extended reality and immersive experiences to enhance the onboarding and training of its aircrew and employees. By providing realistic simulations of the working environment, these technologies are reducing training times and ensuring a smoother transition for new hires.
Similarly, Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, is leading the charge with its plans for a fully touchless, walk-through experience through 2024. Passengers will enjoy seamless check-in, security clearance, and boarding processes, thanks to advanced biometric technology. This initiative not only reduces wait times and enhances safety but also provides a more hygienic and convenient travel experience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar advancements are being implemented across the region, revolutionizing the way passengers navigate airports and interact with airline staff.
However, the rapid growth and innovation in the Middle East’s aviation industry are not without challenges. The region faces a shortage of skilled labour, with estimates suggesting that the UAE alone will require around 22,000 pilots and crew members by 2033. To address this issue, countries in the region are investing in training and development programs, partnering with educational institutions to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.
Another challenge is the need for sustainable practices in the face of climate change. While the Middle East’s airlines and airports have made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint, there is still much work to be done. The adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft, and the implementation of eco-friendly ground operations are all critical steps in ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability. To this end airlines and airports across the region are investing heavily in eco-friendly initiatives, such as the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the development of fuel-efficient aircraft, and the implementation of green ground operations. Etihad Airways, for example, has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These efforts are not limited to operational benefit but are also vital for securing the financial backing for the industry with many deals coming with “green strings attached”. Cirium has also invested heavily in this area and recently secured accreditation for Emerald Sky from the Rocky Mountain Institute for the first climate-aligned finance framework tailored for the aviation industry.
Despite these challenges, the mood in the Middle East’s aviation industry is one of optimism and determination.
The region’s leaders recognize the immense potential of the sector and are committed to investing in its future. From the ambitious plans of Saudi Arabia to the strategic partnerships being forged across the region, there is a sense of unity and purpose in driving the industry forward.
In the coming years, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking advancements emerging from the region. From the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft to the implementation of seamless, touchless travel experiences, the Middle East’s aviation industry is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As these innovations take flight, they will not only transform the way we travel but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. The Middle East’s aviation success story is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and innovation. As the region continues to invest in its people, its infrastructure, and its technologies, it is laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future. With its eyes fixed firmly on the horizon, the Middle East is ready to take the global aviation industry to new heights, one innovation at a time.
March 21, 2024, Bogota, Colombia – Cirium, the global leader in aviation analytics, presented the 2023 On-Time Performance (OTP) Award for global airlines to Avianca. The ceremony celebrated and recognized the unwavering dedication by Avianca to on-time performance in 2023. This is the first on-time global award for the airline in its 104 year history.
Jeremy Bowen, Chief Executive Officer for Cirium presented the award to crew members and other leaders in the organization representing all who make on-time happen for Avianca and its customers. The ceremony was attended by Adrian Neuhauser, Executive Vice Chairman, Grupo Abra Group, Frederico “Fred” Pedreira, Chief Executive Officer, Avianca, representatives from Quito airport, ministry of tourism, Colombia immigration services, the Avianca executive team, members of the media, and over 200 Avianca team members.
As a trusted source of aviation industry data and analytics, Cirium is proud to present this award honoring the achievements of Avianca while underscoring the critical importance of on-time performance in enhancing passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the overall success of the airline industry.
“Behind this achievement is the commitment of more than 14,000 people from the Avianca team who, in coordination with authorities and allies, work to ensure that our customers reach their destinations safely, on time and with their suitcases. And of course, we thank the more than 32 million passengers who trusted us to fly during 2023. We are proud of this recognition that puts us on a par with world-class airlines and Colombia as an international benchmark in the airline sector.” Frederico Pedreira, CEO, avianca.
“It takes an incredible amount of hard work and teamwork to run an on-time airline operations when also taking into account all the external factors; weather, staff shortage s, mechanical issues, etc. and especially in 2023 when demand surged. The positions at the top of the performance table are often only separated by fractions of a percentage. Avianca won the Global Category with an OTP of 85.73%…just 0.2% higher than the second-place airline. But it’s turnaround in performance of how Avianca used to perform before the pandemic, to how they’re performing now is what they should be most proud of. The 2023 OTP figure is over 10% higher than it was in 2019 and 2% higher than 2022. The turnaround figures are truly remarkable!” – Jeremy Bowen, CEO, Cirium.
In Cirium’s award analysis, an on-time flight is defined as a flight that arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival. For an airport, it is defined as departing within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure.
About Avianca:
Avianca is a company that comprises Avianca- a Star Alliance member- LifeMiles, and Avianca Cargo. In passenger transportation, Avianca is the leading airline in Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, with over 104 years of continuous operation since 1919. It has one of the largest air operations in Latin America with 147 routes, nearly 710 daily flights, and a fleet of 140 Airbus 320 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, connecting over 75 destinations in 25 countries in the Americas and Europe. In 2023, Avianca transported over 32.3 million customers through the operation of more than 213,000 flights. Its loyalty program, LifeMiles, is one of the largest in Latin America with over 12.4 million members and 500 partner brands. In cargo transportation, Avianca Cargo is a regional leader and the main operator in various markets in the Americas. With its affiliate airline, Aerounion, it serves over 50 destinations with a fleet of 9 cargo aircraft, in addition to cargo operations in passenger aircraft bellies. More information can be found at www.avianca.com.
About Cirium Cirium® is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics. The company delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. It equips airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth.
Cirium® is part of LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, a RELX business, which provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
March 12, 2024, Tenerife, Spain – Cirium, the global leader in aviation analytics, is thrilled to present the On-Time Performance (OTP) Award for European airlines to Iberia Express. Taking place on March 12, 2024, this prestigious ceremony recognized the unwavering dedication to on-time performance demonstrated by the entire crew at Iberia Express in 2023.
Mike Malik, Chief Marketing Officer for Cirium presented the award to Carlos Gomez Suárez, Chief Executive Officer, Iberia Express. An award was also presented to Iberia Airlines for their achievement as a second-place winner among European airlines in the 2023 On-Time Performance Review. Gonzalo SalinasPereira, Director for Operations Control Center at Iberia received the award on behalf of the entire staff.
Also in attendance at the Tenerife North Airport were Francisco Javier Osman Rodriguez, Tenerife Airport Director, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Canary Islands Tourism Representative, and 12 members of the Iberia Express front-line crew.
Mike Malik, CMO, Cirium, presents the award to Carlos Gomez Suarez, CEO of Iberia Express.
As a trusted source of aviation industry information and analytics, Cirium is proud to present this award honoring the achievements of Iberia Express while underscoring the critical importance of on-time performance in enhancing passenger satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the overall success of the airline industry.
“At Iberia Express, we strive to maintain ambitious standards of efficiency and excellence in our operations to provide the best experience to our customers on each flight. This achievement is a source of pride for us because it serves as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the entire Iberia Express team,” said Carlos Gómez Suarez, CEO of Iberia Express, during the event.
“Iberia Express’s performance is notable in 2023 especially when you consider its 10% capacity growth for its 2023/2024 winter schedule, compared to 2022. It’s important to note that Iberia Express has performed well for many years, in fact, it has been a top performer and won an OTP award 9 times in the past. But in 2023, Iberia Express has truly set a high bar, the Most On-Time European airline with an OTP rate of 84.58%. A heartfelt congratulations to everyone at Iberia Express, Mr. Suarez, and the team.” – Mike Malik, CMO, Cirium.
Cirium presented the 2nd Place Award to the Iberia Airlines operations team
In Cirium’s award analysis, an on-time flight is defined as a flight that arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival. For an airport, it is defined as departing within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure.
About Iberia Express
Iberia Express is part of the Iberia Group, the leading low-cost airline at Madrid Airport and on routes to the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. It offers short and medium-haul routes to feed Iberia’s long-haul network and to efficiently compete in the low-cost airline segment. Iberia Express operates a very efficient fleet of 25 aircraft and has developed a hybrid business model that includes connecting flights and Business Class service on all its planes. For five consecutive years (2014-2018), it was the most punctual low-cost airline in the world. In 2022, it was the most punctual low-cost airline in Europe, and in 2023, it was the most punctual airline in Europe and the fifth most punctual low-cost airline in the world, according to Cirium.
About Cirium Cirium® is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics. The company delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. It equips airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth.
Cirium® is part of LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, a RELX business, which provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) wrapped up 2023 with a rare double win in Cirium’s 2023 On-Time Performance Review, garnering the top global airport and large airport awards.
Cirium presented the awards Tuesday to Metropolitan Airports Commission Executive Director/C.E.O., Brian Ryks and Chair Rick King during a ceremony at MSP that included hundreds of airport employees.
“These awards highlight the incredible teams and employees at the MAC who support our airline partners in delivering the best on-time performance rates while minimizing passenger disruptions throughout the year,” Ryks said. “Last winter challenged our region with heavy and frequent snowstorms, yet our teams showed their dedication keeping equipment, facilities and the MSP airfield in prime condition to achieve the best possible operational capabilities that contributed to achieving this rare industry honor.”
Now in its 15th year, the Cirium On-Time Performance program monitors global airline and airport operational performance through extensive and unbiased data, derived from over 600 real-time information sources.
MSP is only the second North American airport to win a Cirium global award following Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in 2011.
MSP’s 2023 global on-time departure rate of 84.44% was calculated across 289,817 flights, ahead of the other top five finishers: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (India), Kempegowda International Airport (India), El Dorado International Airport (Colombia), and Salt Lake City International Airport (U.S.). “On-time performance is a critical way we deliver on MAC’s purpose: providing exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives,” King said.
“These awards affirm the trust and expectations that MSP has earned over many years in helping millions of people travel easily and efficiently across the globe to strengthen regional business connections and support personal and leisure travel.”
Rick King, Chairman at MSP
“Cirium’s Annual On-Time Performance Review brings to light the exceptional strides we’re seeing across the global aviation sector. The 2023 results speak volumes about how our airports are not just meeting but surpassing expectations in efficiency, especially as we witness a resurgence in demand,” said Cirium Chief Marketing Officer Mike Malik.
“The team at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have really set the bar high, leading the pack in both the global and large airport categories. Cirium extends our deepest congratulations to the team at MSP for their dedication and outstanding commitment to excellence.”
In Cirium’s 2023 airline rankings, MSP’s hub carrier Delta Air Lines was honored with the Platinum Award for the third year running as the top global performer. Delta also topped the rankings for most on-time airline in North America.
In Cirium’s award analysis, an on-time flight is defined as a flight that arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival. For an airport, it is defined as departing within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St Paul International (MSP) and six general aviation airports. The MAC’s airports connect the region to the world and showcase Minnesota’s extraordinary culture to millions of passengers from around the globe who arrive or depart through MAC airports each year. Though a public corporation of the state of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org.
About Cirium Cirium® is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics. The company delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. It equips airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth.
Cirium® is part of LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, a RELX business, which provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
When low-cost carriers reach their peak, they not only offer customers affordable fares but also achieve high operating margins. In fact, they often rank among the top performers in the airline industry.
On-time performance directly correlates with customer satisfaction and efficient aircraft utilization, which are the core strengths of low-cost airlines.
Indeed, the on-time performance of the top three Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) not only matches but often exceeds that of many traditional legacy airlines.
Timeliness is crucial for a business model that relies on maximizing aircraft utilization and minimizing costly flight delays that have a direct impact on operating costs.
This year, Cirium is pleased to report that the South African carrier, Safair (FA), led the charge for all low-cost carriers globally in 2023 with 92.36% of their 55,444 flight operations arriving on time, edging 2nd place Azul (AD) operating 310,972 flights with an OTP arrival of 85.51% and Hong Kong Express (UD) with an OTP arrival of 85.23% on 23,761 flights.
Cirium congratulates Safair for this feat, as well as honorable mention to Azul and Hong Kong Express. After all — low-cost carriers fly in the same space as the world’s largest carriers, with all of the same challenges.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
In the bustling world of aviation, medium-sized airports often find themselves in a unique position – big enough to serve a significant volume of passengers, yet small enough to avoid some of the logistical nightmares that come with mega-airport status. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on these middleweight champions, particularly those that have demonstrated exceptional performance in on-time departures throughout 2023, serving between 15,000,000 and 25,000,000 travelers annually worldwide.
Our annual report highlights the top 20 airports worldwide in this category. The data clearly shows that there are several medium-sized airport hubs that excel in departure on-time performance.
Leading the pack and taking the #1 ranking is Osaka International Airport (ITM), the regional gateway for Japan’s Kansai region, boasting a departure performance of 90.71% on over 130,000 flights for the year.
Deserving of honorable mention, is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama, a gateway airport to the Americas, with a departure OTP of 90.51% on over 121,000 flights. Also ranking high is Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, with a departure OTP of 89.10% on over 150,000 flights.
These top performers are accompanied by numerous other medium-sized airports that have demonstrated impressive on-time departure performance. Congratulations to Osaka International Airport for their exceptional performance!
While ensuring on-time departures is crucial, it is equally important to adopt a comprehensive approach to airport management. The exemplary performance of medium-sized airports in 2023 has demonstrated that success stems from a combination of robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, economic growth, and a culture of innovation. This serves as a valuable lesson for airports of all sizes, emphasizing the significance of embracing these principles.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
Jay Morgan, Director, Professional Data Services, Cirium
In a very demanding year Copa Airlines soared to the top of our on-time rankings.
Copa operated at a very high level of on-time performance, with 89.46% of its flights arriving on time, surpassing avianca (85.73%) and last year’s winner Azul (85.51%). In addition, Copa achieved significant reduction in cancellations (63%) year over year—a noteworthy improvement in the passenger experience.
In 2023 LATAM (84.07%) recorded over 494,000 flights — more than double the number of the other carriers in the top nine, apart from Azul that flew approximately 303,000 flights.
Latin America continued to see growth in operations throughout 2023. Increased demand for domestic and international travel, cargo, plus the addition of Aerus and Mexicana de Aviacion set the stage for newly opened routes and significant new aircraft orders and leases.
Scheduled Latin American commercial passenger flights increased by 16% year over year. The top carriers in the region operated at 117% of their pre-pandemic levels and are fully expected to continue to see growth in 2024.
These are very encouraging statistics overall, in a year that saw the restructuring of three major Latin American carriers. These airlines added new routes to their schedules and modernized their fleets demonstrating that they are keeping pace with a very strong post-COVID recovery.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
Mariscal Sucre International Airport had the best operational performance in 2023 among the world’s small airports. Located near Quito, Ecuador, the airport is referred to as Tababela, and is relatively new — it opened in 2012. It’s Ecuador’s largest airport. The two largest carriers there are Avianca and LATAM, each flying around 1M seats in 2023, with Avianca flying around 43% more seats from there since 2019.
Mariscal Sucre beat out Chubu Centrair, the Japanese single runway operation just outside of Nagoya, Japan. ANA is the largest carrier there, whose strong on-time performance factors into both that carrier and this airport’s excellence.
2023’s results are an excellent result for these Ecuadorian airports.
The top three small airports are rounded out by José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, serving Guayaquil, Ecuador, and Ecuador’s second largest airport, after Mariscal Sucre. 2023’s results are an excellent result for these Ecuadorian airports. Cirium categorizes airports by percentile, and a small airport serves between the 25th and 50th percentile by total flights served in a month, with an actual gate departure coverage 80% or better.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
As we reach the end of 2023, it is evident that this has been a significant year for the airline industry, particularly for North American carriers, which is the home to four of the five largest passenger airlines worldwide in terms of flight operations. The industry has experienced a whirlwind of developments, including a continuous increase in travel demand after the pandemic, strain on airport infrastructure, labor shortages, and rising fuel costs. Additionally, the diverse routes and varying weather conditions in North America present additional complexities for airline operations.
Despite these challenges, North American airlines have excelled in maintaining high operational efficiency and punctuality. Their ability to navigate these complexities is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. In terms of arrival performance, the overall rate for 2023 was 74.45%, with approximately 400,000 more scheduled flights compared to 2022, which had an on-time arrival rate of 74.26%.
Investment in technology, coupled with an unwavering commitment to customer service, undoubtedly contributed to the impressive on-time punctuality.
North American airlines have successfully adapted to these market challenges, while meeting the continuous increase in travel demand. Their investment in technology, coupled with an unwavering commitment to customer service, undoubtedly contributed to the impressive on-time punctuality statistics for the year.
Delta Air Lines once again claims the top spot in terms of performance, with 84.72% arriving on-time on over 1.5M flight operations. Following closely behind, and deserving honorable mention, was Alaska Airlines boasting an OTP of 82.25% on over 400,000 flights and American Airlines at 80.61% on over 1.9M flights. These airlines performed exceptionally over the course of the year overcoming tremendous travel demand and disruptive weather events. Congratulations to Delta Air Lines for their exceptional and consistent on-time performance!
In 2023, North American airlines underwent a remarkable transformation. They skillfully navigated the dynamic market landscape and elevated their operations in the face of increasing air travel demand. As we look ahead to 2024, we anticipate sustained operational excellence as challenges arising from labor shortages and airport infrastructure are gradually addressed and resolved.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
Lydia Webb, Marketing Director – Americas & Strategic Programs, Cirium
After delivering an impressive on-time performance amid the 2022 World Cup tournament, Oman Air once again achieved the highest on-time performance score of 92.53% for the Middle East and Africa region in 2023. This was also the highest score among all carriers across all categories.
Oman Air celebrated its 30th anniversary this year – a journey which began in March 1993 with a single flight between Muscat and Salalah. The airline has grown from a small regional carrier since then to an award-winning airline with over 45 destinations connecting visitors from around the world to Oman.
To meet the rising demand in tourism, the airline launched an expanded network and schedule in 2023.
To meet the rising demand in tourism, the airline launched an expanded network and schedule in 2023, with significant frequency increases on existing routes, and the addition of new destinations— representing a 60% increase in the number of flights from Muscat compared to last year.
Oman Air also took delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation in 2023 – a total fleet size of 52 aircraft. The 737 Max 8 is configured with 12 Business and 150 Economy Class seats to support the airline’s expanding network. The expanded network, schedule and fleet demonstrate Oman Air’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the economy of the Sultanate of Oman while also exhibiting its drive for increased global reach. The airline’s anticipated oneworld Alliance membership in 2024, will help broaden its network’s global reach and provide travelers with greater travel options and other benefits.
On-Time performance in the region was especially competitive with Safair (FA) following closely behind taking 2nd place with an OTP of 92.36% on 55,444 flights and Royal Jordanian (RJ) taking 3rd place with an 87.51% OTP on 32,706 flights.
Congratulations to Oman Air for its outstanding commitment to on-time performance while they continue to position themselves as a major international carrier, and has set several benchmarks for quality, comfort, and hospitality. Additionally, we commend and give honorable mention to Safair and Royal Jordanian for their fine performance.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have consistently ranked at or near the top of our Global and Asia-Pacific (APAC) categories since the inception of The On-Time Performance Awards. Last year, ANA emerged victorious in the APAC category, a source of great pride for the Japanese carrier and its team.
The results for 2023 reveal ANA’s continued success, albeit with a narrow margin.
The competition in the APAC region remained intense throughout the year, with JAL following closely behind by near fraction of percentage taking 2nd place.
Throughout the year, the OTP rankings in APAC were frequently occupied by Thai AirAsia (FD), the 20-year-old low-cost airline that showcased exceptional performance. Thai AirAsia’s achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the over 113,871 domestic and international flights it operates. As an established yet continuously expanding low-cost carrier, Thai AirAsia’s commitment to punctuality and ultimately contributing to customer satisfaction taking the #3 position in photo finish with ANA and JAL.
These carriers have truly mastered on-time performance. However, given their determination, it is likely that they will strive to further improve in 2024. While the statistical difference between the three APAC carriers is minimal, we would have preferred to see them share the award. Nevertheless, rules are rules and, as such, the 2023 APAC award goes to ANA this year, with an impressive OTP of 82.75% across 302,279 flight operations. Honorable mentions are well deserved for Japan Airlines with an OTP of 82.58% on 308,302 flights and Thai AirAsia with OTP of 82.52% on 113,871 flights for their outstanding performance in 2023.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
Iberia Express has consistently demonstrated outstanding operational performance, distinguishing itself in the highly competitive airline industry.
In 2023, Iberia Express achieved the highest on-time performance (OTP) score in the European category, recording an impressive 84.58%.
This achievement reflects the airline’s unwavering focus on maintaining a punctual schedule-a critical factor for passengers when selecting an airline.
The airline also showed significant capacity growth for its 2023/2024 winter schedule, with a 10% increase compared to 2022. This expansion includes strengthening connections between the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, as well as expanding routes to Ibiza and several international destinations, such as Marrakech, Cairo, Dublin, Manchester, and Naples. Despite this growth, Iberia Express maintained operational discipline and effectively synchronized its schedules across its network.
Another notable achievement in 2023 was Iberia Express’s attainment of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) environmental certification. This certification underscores the airline’s commitment to environmental sustainability, focusing on efficient operations and fleet renewal. The airline’s dedication to reducing emissions and enhancing environmental performance is commendable.
What sets Iberia Express apart from other airlines is not only its exceptional punctuality but also its strategic role within Iberia and the International Airlines Group (IAG). As a subsidiary, Iberia Express benefits from Iberia’s strong brand recognition and extensive network, while contributing significantly to the group’s overall performance and profitability. The airline’s success in maintaining high OTP rates is a key factor in bolstering the group’s reputation and reliability among passengers.
In conclusion, Iberia Express’s operational performance clearly demonstrates its excellence in the airline industry.
The airline’s punctuality, efficient operations, and strategic alignment within the Iberia and IAG frameworks differentiate it from competitors.
This performance is a sustained effort, reflecting the airline’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. As the airline industry continues to face post- pandemic challenges, the team at Iberia Express has built a proven track record that positions it for continued success and growth.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
David White, Senior Director of Advanced Initiatives, Cirium
Global airlines must deal with global problems in order to fulfill their missions. 2023 presented some significant headwinds that all carriers in this category had to face.
Despite the challenges, the leading airlines managed to finish the year with impressive on-time performance metrics.
Post-pandemic growth in demand coincided with commercial aviation capacity constrained by external factors that were mostly beyond the airlines’ control. Staffing shortages among the ranks of air traffic controllers, pilots, crew, and ground services made it difficult to satisfy a rapidly rebounding demand especially in the US and Europe. Supply chain shortages delayed the delivery of more modern and efficient aircraft. Safety and reliability concerns for certain engine models caused prolonged grounding of key parts of their existing fleets. War and political violence closed heavily trafficked airspaces. Volatile fuel prices and inflation put pressure on fares and margins. Despite all of that, the global carriers, as a group, turned in a composite OTP of 83%, down only slightly from last year’s 83.6%.
In addition to the global challenges, this year’s winner in the Global OTP Category, avianca (formerly Avianca), had to deal with a unique set of situational complexities.
avianca succeeded in reinventing itself following its emergence from bankruptcy in December 2021 with a plan to modernize its fleet, improve customer satisfaction, increase operational efficiency, and to help fill the void left by the cessation of operations by low-cost Columbian carrier Viva.
avianca adapted to fill the void by adding more seats to its A320 aircraft, expanding its network, and lowering prices.
When its bid to merge with Viva and rescue the ailing carrier was denied by the Columbian civil aviation authority, avianca adapted to fill the void by adding more seats to its A320 aircraft, expanding its network, and lowering prices.
The world’s second oldest airline has made itself new again.
The world’s second oldest airline has made itself new again with new aircraft, new branding, new destinations, and an expanded mission. avianca added 7 new A320-200neo aircraft to its fleet in 2023 in addition to the 8 put into service in 2022, with more than 80 A320-200neo deliveries scheduled over the next 7 years. 2023 also marked the airline’s return to profitability after showing significant losses in 2021 and 2022. Its Q3 financial statements indicated >30% growth in passengers, ASK, and RPK over the same period in 2022. avianca embodies the qualities necessary to thrive in challenging times – agility, adaptability, resilience, determination, and a clear strategic vision. Cirium offers avianca its heart-felt congratulations on an outstanding 2023 performance.
Report highlights
Delta Air Lines Secures Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence for Fourth Year Running
Aeromexico Recognized as the Most On-Time Airline in the Global Category
Regional Leaders Announced: Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Iberia Express, Japan Airlines, and FlySafair Take Top Honors
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport Earns Cirium’s Inaugural Airport Platinum Award
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport Named Most On-Time Global Airport for 2024
