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  • How Southwest Became North America’s Most On-Time Airline

    Mike Malik, Chief Marketing Officer, Cirium

    Southwest carefully engineered transformation, redefining reliability, and showcasing the impact of strategic improvements and a commitment to sustained performance.

    Two years ago, Southwest Airlines faced one of the toughest challenges in its history. A holiday meltdown in December 2022 left the airline scrambling, cancelling nearly 17,000 flights and disrupting travel for over 2 million passengers. Social media swarmed with frustrated posts, and trust in the airline hit rock bottom. The crisis wasn’t just weather-driven; it exposed deeper flaws, from outdated scheduling systems to operational vulnerabilities. Industry watchers wondered if Southwest could recover.  

    Fast forward to February 2025, and the airline is writing a very different story. With an impressive on-time arrival rate of 82.27%, Southwest Airlines has been named North America’s most on-time airline by aviation analytics leader Cirium. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a transformation that began long before Winter Storm Elliott. How did Southwest go from crisis to champion?  

    A Turning Point Built on Leadership  

    Justin Jones

    Southwest didn’t just “fix” its problems; it overhauled the way it operates, said Justin Jones, the airline’s Executive Vice President of Operations. Speaking with Scott McCartney recently on the Airlines Confidential podcast, Jones described the monumental effort it took for the airline’s leadership team to steer the airline out of rough skies.

    “We knew we couldn’t just patch things up and move on. It required rethinking everything—from technology to teamwork to how we schedule flights,” he explained.  

    Southwest didn’t just “fix” its problems; it overhauled the way it operates, said Justin Jones, the airline’s Executive Vice President of Operations. Speaking with Scott McCartney recently on the Airlines Confidential podcast, Jones described the monumental effort it took for the airline’s leadership team to steer the airline out of rough skies.  

    “We knew we couldn’t just patch things up and move on. It required rethinking everything—from technology to teamwork to how we schedule flights,” he explained.  

    This leadership approach reassured both employees and customers that resilience was a key part of Southwest’s operations. 

    How Southwest Took Back Control  

    Southwest’s recovery wasn’t built on short-term solutions or lucky breaks. It was a carefully engineered transformation, focused on key areas where their previous systems had failed.  

    1. Preparing An Operation Ready For The Future  

    Southwest recognized the need for stronger, more adaptable technology to support its growing network. While already working to modernize the operation, the airline accelerated its efforts—investing $1.3 billion in more modern IT systems, including automated flight rescheduling tools and advanced decision-making platforms. These upgrades go beyond short-term fixes—they are designed to enhance efficiency, improve resilience, and ensure Southwest can operate smoothly even in the most challenging conditions. 

    2. Weather Resilience Strategies  

    Winter weather may be unpredictable, but its disruptive power can be anticipated. Southwest strengthened its defenses by expanding de-icing capabilities, boosting airport coordination, and adjusting staffing protocols during storms. These improvements meant fewer last-minute scrambles and more efficient operations during extreme conditions.  

    3. Smarter Scheduling, Fewer Delays  

    By aligning Network Planning and the Network Operations Center under a single leader, Southwest brought network thinking into how it manages the business every day, including aircraft routing, cancellation decisions, and coordination with all operating groups. 

    4. More Crew, Fewer Complications  

    Southwest also tackled one of the biggest contributors to operational chaos: staffing. By hiring more pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew members, the airline ensured resources were available even during high-stress moments. Crew shortages, once a critical weak link, were no longer a stumbling block in delivering reliable service.  

    5. Extra Aircraft for Extra Assurance  

    To add further stability, Southwest increased its fleet rotation by incorporating more spare aircraft. This allowed for quicker recoveries from unexpected mechanical issues or delays, minimizing disruptions for passengers. (Southwest didn’t add more spare aircraft per se; they added more late departing originators to give mechanics more time to work on the aircraft overnight. TechOps took numerous steps to further reduce aircraft downtime.) 

    A New Era for Southwest  

    By 2024, Southwest’s efforts were already showing results. The airline achieved a cancellation rate of just 0.62%, the lowest in the industry and well ahead of the 1.63% industry average. During the busy summer months, they flew a record-breaking 54 million passengers while improving on-time performance by two percentage points.  

    But the real breakthrough came in early 2025. With an A14 rate in the low-to-mid 80s (a measure of flights arriving within 14 minutes and 59 second of the scheduled time), Southwest ascended to the top of Cirium’s on-time rankings.  

    This achievement signaled a shift in an industry where Delta Air Lines has long set the standard for operational reliability.

    Southwest’s climb to the #1 spot was more than just a comeback—it showcased the impact of strategic improvements and a commitment to sustained performance. 

    More Than Numbers  

    Behind the metrics is a story of persistence, innovation, and teamwork. Employees who worked tirelessly to restore faith in the airline. Passengers who began to take notice, moving from frustration to praise for the airline’s newfound reliability.  

    Leadership, too, played its part by inspiring confidence. Justin Jones credited the turnaround not to any single decision, but to the collective spirit of a company determined to win back trust.

    “You can’t plan your way out of a crisis like this overnight,” he noted. “It takes consistent effort and a commitment to doing what’s right for passengers and our employees.”  

    Lessons in Transformation  

    Southwest’s rise to the top offers valuable lessons for the aviation industry and beyond. When faced with operational challenges, many companies opt for quick fixes. However, Southwest took a different approach—investing in core infrastructure, refining its network strategy, and strengthening its teams—demonstrating that resilience comes from deliberate action and long-term commitment. 

    For passengers, the message is clear as well. Even brands that falter can become reliable again with transparency, hard work, and a relentless focus on improvement.  

    The Flight Ahead  

    While Southwest’s success is worth celebrating, its team knows the job isn’t done. Consistency will depend on maintaining the momentum they’ve established and adapting as new challenges emerge. 

    Southwest is working to maintain this momentum even as the recently announced move to charge for checked luggage will likely result in more gate-checked bags that could threaten the hard-won reductions in turn times. The airline is adding technology at every gate to eliminate string tags, bolstering procedures to help gate agents manage volume, and installing equipment to get bags more efficiently from the gate to the ground. 

    But if the last two years have proven anything, it’s that Southwest Airlines is more than capable of weathering a storm and taking flight again.  

    More than a comeback, Southwest’s rise to the top shows that operational excellence is built on adaptability, strategy, and commitment.  

  • Brisbane Airport Uses Sky Warehouse for Advanced Analytics

    London, 18 March 2025: Brisbane Airport (BNE), which serves as the major gateway to Queensland, has partnered with aviation analytics firm, Cirium, to become one of the first airports to integrate Cirium Sky Warehouse, a data-driven cloud platform, into its modernisation efforts.

    Cirium’s advanced data and analytics will be seamlessly integrated with Brisbane Airport’s business systems. This integration will support enhanced capacity planning, resource allocation, and operations analysis.

    Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, commented: “We are delighted to support Brisbane Airport’s transformative investment to revolutionise its passenger experience and meet future travel demand.

    “Integrating Cirium data and analytics through the Cirium Sky Warehouse will help the airport to consolidate and accelerate digitization, leading to improved decision-making and operational performance.

    ” Our data will be a crucial asset in driving efficiency and elevating the traveler experience at Brisbane Airport.”

    Ryan Both, Brisbane Airport Executive General Manager Aviation said: “Accessing Cirium’s schedules data through Cirium Sky Warehouse enables advanced automation, marking a critical step in Brisbane Airport’s digital transformation project.”

    “The schedules data plays a critical role in creating and executing more accurate flight schedules, planning for future events and fluctuations in air traffic, gaining more comprehensive insights, and making decisions for business growth. This will lead to numerous improvements around efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience.”

    “Embracing a cloud-based data integration approach also means we will significantly reduce the time spent internally on data and ultimately drive cost efficiencies.”

    Brisbane Airport is currently undergoing a transformation program known as Future BNE, which includes 150 projects over a 10-year period, focusing on upgrades to the airport’s domestic and international terminals, as well as planning for a third terminal, ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympics.

    This first phase modernization will support an improved experience for the almost 25 million passengers currently passing through its terminals and the additional 10 million expected over the coming decade.

    The Cirium Sky Warehouse delivers the highest quality aviation data and analytics in one accessible data cloud, aligning seamlessly with Brisbane Airport’s digital transformation objectives. While the airport will initially leverage schedules data, a wealth of other data can be accessed and integrated from Cirium Sky Warehouse including flight, traffic, fleet, fares, weather, and CO2 emissions.

    By leveraging the power of Cirium’s data cloud, Brisbane Airport joins global major airlines, fuel supply companies, aviation financiers, and more in enhancing its planning, operational efficiency and growth opportunities.

    To find out more about the Cirium Sky Warehouse, click here

    For Cirium media inquiries please contact media@cirium.com

    About Cirium
    Cirium® is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, delivering powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. Equipping airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities, the company provides the clarity and intelligence needed to optimise 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.

    For further information please follow Cirium® on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.

    About Brisbane Airport
    BNE is the third-largest airport in Australia by passenger numbers, with 24 million passengers travelling through the airport annually. BNE contributes $4.7 billion GDP annually, with 1 in 70 Queensland jobs enabled by BNE and benefits provided range of key industries such as tourism, resources and international education. BNE is the largest airport in Australia by land size, covering 2,700 hectares of land used for aviation, property development and consumer businesses, which employ over 20,000 people. In 2025 it celebrates 100 years of operation.

  • The Middle East: Shaping the Future of Air Travel

    Niha Shaikh, VP of Product, Cirium Journey

    Pioneers of Progress

    At the centre of this aviation evolution is the United Arab Emirates, home to some of the world’s most prestigious airlines and airports. Leading the charge is Emirates Airline, a $29 billion enterprise with a fleet of over 250 aircraft connecting more than 140 destinations worldwide. Emirates has set the standard for passenger experience through cutting-edge technology, from in-flight entertainment to biometric security systems.

    But Emirates is not alone. Saudia and Oman Air have also made remarkable strides in operational performance and service excellence. Saudia secured second place in Cirium’s Global Airline On-Time Performance (OTP) ranking for 2024, while Oman Air ranked second in the Middle East and Africa’s top 10 airlines.

    Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) also emerged as a leader, winning both the Global and Large Airport categories with an impressive on-time departure rate of 86.65% across nearly 241,000 flights in 2024 and 115 routes.

    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, minimizing cancelled flights and delays is something everyone can agree is a positive step – in what has been a challenging year for aviation overall.

    Cirium’s Middle East and Africa OTP Regional Update

    In 2024, the top 10 on-time Middle East and Africa airlines operated 20% more flights compared to the top performers of 2023—a collective total of nearly 984,500 flights in 2024.

    This surge in flights evidences the significant growth in the Middle East, alongside the passenger volumes in Saudia Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

    In addition to the growth in flights, the Middle East and Africa airlines operated more efficiently, with the top performers achieving a collective on-time arrival of 83.08% in 2024 compared to 82.44% in 2023. The regions 2024 on-time arrival surpassed the on-time arrivals of the European, North American, Latin American and Asia-Pacific airlines.

    These developments underscore the Middle East’s significant role in the global aviation industry, driven by strategic investments, economic diversification efforts and a robust recovery in travel demand.

    The Middle East and Africa region saw some shifts in rankings and performance of the individual airlines in 2024, with notable improvements from airlines like Saudia and Kuwait Airways, while others like Etihad Airways and Emirates experienced slight declines. Saudia climbed from sixth place in 2023 to fourth place this year, with an OTP of 86.35%. With a remarkable 11-point increase over last year’s performance, Kuwait Airways moved from ninth place to fifth, with an OTP of 84.63%. Royal Jordanian remained in third place with a consistent on-time arrival of 87.05% in 2024. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways experienced a slight decline in OTP, dropping to eight place, with an OTP of 82.90% in 2023 to 76.91% this year. and Emirates experienced a decrease from 78.48% to 74.42%, moving to ninth place.

    International airports in the Middle East showed huge improvement in their performance this year, Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RJH) secured the top spot in the Global and Large airports categories, entering the top 20 ranking in 2024. Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) improved its ranking in 2024 with an on-time departure rate of 80.32%, up from 81.03% in 2023, also entering the top 20 Global airports.

    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. 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 EmeraldSky 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.

  • Manchester Airports Group Uses Cirium for Data Optimization

    Manchester, 28 January 2024: Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the largest UK airport group which owns and operates Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports, has entered into an agreement with aviation analytics firm, Cirium.

    The multi-year deal will see MAG utilize a range of Cirium’s analytics and solutions – including EmeraldSky CO2 flight emissions and on-time performance data, Diio market intelligence, and Ascend Fleets Analyzer, providing a holistic approach to enhance operational efficiency.

    The deal will enable the Group to make quicker and better-informed decisions using Cirium data and analytics, advancing strategic planning and post-operations analysis to ensure a better customer experience.

    In a first for a leading tier-one airport group, the new agreement includes Cirium’s EmeraldSky analytics, which delivers unparalleled flight, landing and take-off emissions data. This pioneering solution will provide MAG with the most accurate aircraft emissions data, allowing for monitoring, reporting and modulation of airport charges. The methodology behind this data has been vetted by experts from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

    MAG will also leverage Cirium’s On-Time Performance data, considered the gold-standard in the industry. This data measures the performance and reliability of airports and the airlines which operate from them. This will enable MAG to benchmark its performance and showcase its performance against other airports in the UK and around the world.

    Additionally, the agreement includes Cirium’s Fleets Analyzer and Diio market intelligence tool. Fleets Analyzer will empower MAG’s strategy team to better understand the evolution of an airlines’ fleet, and the Diio market intelligence tool will help to develop more robust business cases to attract new routes to the Group’s airports, all while monitoring market changes and improving forecasting.

    Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO said, “We’re thrilled to be able to aid the biggest airport group in the UK to improve operations, and achieve sustainability goals through our range of Cirium solutions. Cirium’s comprehensive proposition stands out from our competitors by delivering value across multiple facets of MAG’s operations.”

    MAG Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Macmillan said: “Data plays a significant role in running an effective airport. We are always seeking new opportunities to better our understanding of how our airports are functioning, and where we can make improvements. Ensuring our airports are operating as sustainably as possible is also a priority for MAG. Any new insight as to how to cut our carbon emissions moves us closer to our goal of net zero aviation by 2050.

    “This new partnership will aid strategic planning across MAG, improve operational efficiency for our colleagues and airline partners, and deliver a better airport experience for our passengers.”

    To learn more about the Cirium aviation analytics and solutions visit cirium.com

    For Cirium media inquiries please contact media@cirium.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. 

    For more information, follow Cirium® on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.

    About Manchester Airports Group
    Manchester Airports Group (MAG)is the UK’s largest airports group which owns and operates Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports, alongside digital services business CAVU. In 2023/24, MAG serves 63.1m passengers and directly employs more than 7,500 people. The Group flies to more than 200 destinations, working with more than 60 airline partners. MAG has a target to make its airport operations net zero by 2038, and in 2016 was the first UK airport group to be certified as carbon neutral.

  • A Scandinavian Turnaround – SAS on a New Path to Success

    Mike Malik, Chief Marketing Officer, Cirium

    Winter in Scandinavia can be unforgiving, but Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) doesn’t let a little snow slow it down. In 2024, SAS earned the title of Europe’s third most on-time airline, trailing Iberia, and secured a top ten spot in the Global On-Time Category, according to Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review. Achieving such reliability in a region where winter weather is a constant adversary speaks volumes about SAS’s ability to rise above the elements—and the competition.

    For SAS, last year’s impressive on-time performance caps an eventful period with many changes. In 2021, with the pandemic still present, the company welcomed Anko van der Werff as its new Chief Executive Officer. He quickly began work on securing the airline’s future, warning all stakeholders that this would require big changes. As he wrote in the company’s annual report at the time, “The future remains uncertain which means, to be able to compete in the long term, the transformation of SAS must continue and be accelerated.”

    Van der Werff faced many challenges. To compete with Europe’s many low-cost carriers, SAS needed to reduce its own costs.

    It also had to simplify its operations, be a leader in sustainability, work closely with unions, and deliver industry-leading service. In the years just before Covid, SAS was only slightly profitable. In its fiscal year 2019, for example, it earned a net profit of just 621 million Swedish krona on about 47 billion krona in revenue. That’s a profit margin of just 1%. It then lost nearly 16 billion krona in the next two years, which were hit by Covid. Like many other airlines around the world, it survived the crisis with the help of government financial assistance, in this case from the governments of Denmark and Sweden.  

    Navigating the Storm

    Van der Werff’s task didn’t get any easier when SAS pilots staged a 15-day strike during the peak summer season in 2022. The strike led to roughly 4,000 cancelled flights affecting more than 380,000 passengers. In addition, the closure of Russia’s airspace affected the airline’s routes to Asia. A jump in fuel prices, volatile exchange rates, and air traffic control disruptions further impeded Van der Werff’s efforts. Just as the strike was getting started that summer, SAS took the difficult but necessary step of filing for bankruptcy.

    “Following new ownership and the successful completion of our restructuring, SAS is emerging as a competitive and financially strong airline.”

    Anko Van Der Werff, CEO, SAS
    September 2024

    Van der Werff’s “SAS Forward” plan set the course for recovery. The strategy focused on cutting costs, renegotiating labor agreements, and broadening revenue streams, including boosting ancillary sales. It also introduced new leisure routes, such as Copenhagen to Bangkok, invested in digital transformation, and put a spotlight on on-time performance and reliability. During the winter month of February last year, SAS cancelled only 136 of its 16,026 scheduled flights, less than 1%—a clear sign that the plan was delivering results, especially given that the industry average for cancellations is 1.6%. Anything below 1% is considered exceptional performance.

    A New Era with SkyTeam

    Air France/KLM was impressed enough to buy 20% of SAS, helping the carrier exit bankruptcy last August. “This marks the start of a new era for SAS,” the airline said. With its new partner, it switched from the Star Alliance to SkyTeam. It started a new Copenhagen route to Delta’s Atlanta hub. Next summer, it will add a Copenhagen route to Delta’s Seattle hub. Next autumn, it will add Copenhagen to Korean Air’s home airport Seoul Incheon, another SkyTeam hub.  It also signed a codeshare agreement with SkyTeam’s Virgin Atlantic. Van der Werff has said he’d like to join Air France/KLM’s transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Virgin.

    Also last year, SAS welcomed its eight millionth Eurobonus member. Another highlight was announcing a major expansion from Copenhagen airport, which it’s positioning as “a key international gateway to and from Scandinavia and Northern Europe.” It explained, “Copenhagen’s attractive location in continental Europe allows for efficient same-day travel across Northern, Central, and Western Europe. The hub will also serve as a key transit point for long-haul travel, connecting Europe with North America and Asia.”

    This year is off to a good start. As mentioned, Cirium was proud to recognize SAS for becoming one of the world’s most on-time airlines. “Our colleagues have joined forces to address what we know customers care most about: punctuality,” said Van der Werff.

    “This achievement highlights the dedication and teamwork across SAS, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible efforts and hard work of our colleagues.” He added, “Punctuality is about fulfilling our promise to passengers while supporting more sustainable travel. By managing the unique winter challenges in Scandinavia—snow and freezing temperatures for several months each year—SAS continues to provide reliable service. This underscores what we can accomplish with clear focus and collaboration.” Interestingly, SkyTeam members were heavily represented among last year’s on-time leaders, with Delta winning the Platinum Award for the fourth consecutive year for operational excellence and the most on-time airline in North America, Aeromexico, taking the number one spot in the Global Airline category, followed by Saudia in the second spot. 

    Looking Ahead

    This will be a year of growth for SAS again. As Cirium’s Diio airline planning tool shows, SAS has 11% more seats scheduled this third quarter (its peak season) than last. Seats to and from Copenhagen will be up 20%! The airline will still be about 9% smaller than it was in the summer of 2019, based on seat capacity. However, it will be bigger in Copenhagen, by 14%. Surely, new routes will come as new planes arrive. Cirium’s Fleets Analyzer tool shows SAS currently has two more A350s arriving, plus another six A320neos. It now has 138 planes in total, 11 of them widebodies. Three of its A321neos, furthermore, are long-range “LR” versions.

    Strength in Resilience

    Despite all the challenges, SAS has emerged as a symbol of resilience. Its strong on-time performance reflects the airline’s commitment to reliability. From new alliances to an expanding network, SAS is setting itself up for long-term success. For an airline that weathered a financial storm, navigated labor disputes, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, SAS is flying high again.

    While the temperatures in the Nordic region may stay icy, SAS’s turnaround story is just beginning to heat up.

  • Right On Time: Boosting On-Time Performance to Reduce Emissions

    Andrew Doyle
    Andrew Doyle

    Andrew Doyle, Senior Director – Market Development, Cirium

    For aviation enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a well-orchestrated flight schedule. But what if being on time in air travel could also make a real difference in the fight against climate change? For the first time, Cirium’s groundbreaking EmeraldSky emissions methodology has revealed a significant link between airline on-time performance (OTP) and reduced flight emissions. This innovative analysis is a game-changer in showing how schedule reliability can directly contribute to more sustainable skies.

    EmeraldSky isn’t your run-of-the-mill emissions calculator. It’s a sophisticated tool that takes into account a wide array of variables when estimating CO2 emissions for each flight. From the type of aircraft and engine series to winglet design, passenger and cargo payloads, and even the age of the airframe—it’s all factored in. Crucially, EmeraldSky also includes real-time data like gate and runway times, allowing for an accurate record of how long planes spend taxiing and flying. This level of precision sets it apart from traditional, distance-based emissions tools.

    Why does this matter? Because time spent in the air or on the ground directly impacts fuel burn—and therefore CO2 emissions.

    Efficiency at every stage of the flight isn’t just about convenience for passengers; it’s also about reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.

    By tracking the relationship between OTP and emissions trends, Cirium’s analysis reveals that efficiency at every stage of the flight isn’t just about convenience for passengers; it’s also about reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.

    Cirium analyzed airport pairs that operate high volumes of short-haul mainline flights (less than 1,500km), comparing data from July 2019 to July 2024. Cirium identified eight routes where improved OTP coincided with significant reductions in average flight times and emissions. On the other side, nine routes showed longer sector times, increased emissions intensity, and declining OTP.

    The correlation was clear: better on-time performance generally resulted in lower carbon intensity. In simpler terms, when flights run on time, emissions go down.

    The findings highlight the importance of addressing inefficiencies in air traffic management (ATM). For instance, the slow progress in integrating nationally controlled airspace over mainland Europe is a well-known bottleneck. These inefficiencies not only drive-up fuel burn and emissions, but also limit airlines’ ability to improve OTP. Solving such challenges could unlock benefits for both the environment and operational performance.

    For aviation stakeholders and industry leaders alike, this provides compelling evidence of how operational excellence can align with sustainability goals. Improving OTP isn’t just about keeping passengers happy—it’s about making air travel smarter, greener, and better for the future of our planet. Cirium’s EmeraldSky methodology has paved the way for a deeper understanding of this critical relationship, proving that every minute matters in the journey toward more sustainable skies.

     Improving OTP Results in Lower CO2 Intensity

    (KG OF CO2 PER ASK) JULY 2024 VS JULY 2019 (SELECT ROUTES)

    Learn more about how Cirium’s EmeraldSky can enable you to make aviation greener and cleaner, please see EmeraldSky Aircraft & Flight Emissions and schedule a meeting with our experts.

    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
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  • GenAI Assistant Revolutionizes On-Time Performance Tracking

    • The complimentary OTP Awards AI helps in the analysis of the Cirium 2024 On- Time Performance results
    • Users can analyse and review on-time performance scores, flights, completion factors, and uncover performance trends with ease
    • This is the first of several GenAI assistants that Cirium will be launching this year, with a OTP Improvement AI coming soon

    Cirium, the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, has unveiled the industry’s first generative AI assistant designed specifically for airline and airport on-time performance (OTP). OTP Awards AI is the first of Cirium’s generative AI assistants designed to supplement the analysis of Cirium’s 2024 On-Time Performance Review.

    The AI assistant empowers anyone connected to aviation to dig deeper into the top performer results, review the on-time performance scores, tracked flights and completion factor insights, and uncover performance trends with ease. With this tool, users can query and compare their metrics with industry leaders to identify performance gaps.

    “2025 will be a pivotal year for aviation as it seeks to enhance the use of analytics and automate workflows,” said Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO. “Cirium’s new AI assistants supports the growing need for data availability, which is essential for advanced, data- driven decision-making. The first of our assistants is designed to augment the analysis of the 2024 Cirium On-Time Performance Review and is the first of its kind in the market. This is only the beginning.”

    Using the assistant, the user can uncover insights and identify airline and airport performance trends. The tool can show a carrier’s ability to recover from disruption and maintain a high level of on-time performance. One of the key features of the OTP Awards AI is its ability for airlines and airports to compare their performance with that of their peers. The OTP Awards AI is the first of several assistants that Cirium will be releasing to the market this year.

    Cirium’s AI assistants are being created with a focus on accuracy and precision by connecting directly to Cirium’s industry leading data platform, which is considered to be the most comprehensive in the industry. Up next is the OTP Improvement AI, which is designed to take OTP analysis even further and pinpoint opportunities for operational efficiency, enhancing situational awareness and conducting deep disruption analysis.

    Learn more about Cirium’s OTP Awards AI and to sign up to the OTP Improvement AI waitlist.

    View and download the Cirium 2024 On-Time Performance Review.

    Cirium OTP Awards AI

    OTP Awards AI

    For Cirium media inquiries please contact media@cirium.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. 

    For more information, follow Cirium® on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.

  • Flight Emissions Trends Revealed with EmeraldSky Analytics

    Understanding the environmental impact of flight emissions is crucial for aviation industry stakeholders. Recent data from Cirium’s cutting-edge flight emissions analytics capability, EmeraldSky, provides a comprehensive overview of the trends shaping flight emissions today. Notably, emissions per flight within the UK domestic market have increased by 18% over the past five years. Similarly, flights between the UK and Japan have seen a 21% rise in emissions per flight, primarily due to extended flight times caused by the closure of Russian airspace.

    These statistics highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing current industry practices. The closure of Russian airspace has forced many airlines to adopt longer routes, impacting fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions. However, this challenge is being met with technological advancements, such as the retirement of older, less efficient aircraft. The transition to next-generation jets, especially in transatlantic routes between the UK and the US, has led to a 7% reduction in emissions per flight in the summer of 2024, compared to pre-pandemic, with total CO2 emissions also falling despite an overall increase in scheduled flights.

    The transition to next-generation jets, especially in transatlantic routes between the UK and the US, has led to a 7% reduction in emissions per flight in the summer of 2024, compared to pre-pandemic, with total CO2 emissions also falling despite an overall increase in scheduled flights.

    Andrew Doyle
    Andrew Doyle

    Expert opinions within the industry underscore these findings. Andrew Doyle, Senior Director – Market Development, Cirium, emphasizes the importance of integrating innovative technologies to mitigate emissions. “While geopolitical factors present significant challenges, the aviation industry’s commitment to modernizing fleets is a testament to our proactive approach to sustainability.”

    Looking ahead, the aviation industry is poised for transformative changes. Continued investment in research and development will be critical in enhancing aircraft efficiency and exploring alternative fuels. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage these insights to refine their business strategies, focusing on sustainable practices that align with global environmental goals.

    As the industry progresses, understanding these trends will be indispensable for businesses and travelers alike. By staying informed and adaptable, companies can navigate the complexities of flight emissions, ensuring a balance between operational growth and environmental responsibility.

    EmeraldSky logo representing aircraft and flight emissions

    To get an outline of EmeraldSky data used in this article, download the Emissions Calculations Overview.

    For a deeper dive into the methodology, visit Cirium.com/EmeraldSky or schedule time with one of our experts here.

  • Optimizing Airline Ops with Flight Block Time

    Cirium Ascend Consultancy is trusted by clients across the aviation industry to provide accurate, timely, and insightful aircraft appraisals. The team provides the valuations and analysis the industry relies on to understand the market outlook, evaluate risks and identify opportunities.

    Discover the team’s industry reports & market commentaries. Read their latest expert analysis, viewpoints and updates on Thought Cloud.

    JIm Hetzel Director of Product Marketing
    JIm Hetzel Director of Product Marketing

    Jim Hetzel, Director of Product Marketing, Cirium

    In aviation, optimal “flight block time” is integral to ensuring smooth, timely and cost-effective airline operations. As competition heightens and passengers demand greater punctuality, airlines rely heavily on accurate block time calculations to optimize schedules and improve overall efficiency. But what exactly is flight block time, and how do airlines leverage it to drive operational success? Moreover, how do innovative analytics, such as those from Cirium, enable airlines to refine their approach?

    What is Flight Block Time?

    Flight block time refers to the total time an aircraft is *blocked*, or occupied, from the moment it leaves the gate at the departure airport to the moment it arrives at the gate of the destination airport. It consists of four key phases:

    1. Taxi-out: Time spent from pushback to taking off.
    2. Takeoff to touchdown: Time spent in the air, known as airborne time.
    3. Taxi-in: Time spent taxiing to the gate after landing.
    4. Additional variables: Includes delays, air traffic control (ATC) considerations and runway congestion, which can fluctuate and impact the total block time.

    Accurate block time is crucial not just for efficient scheduling but also for delivering reliable and punctual services. Airlines need a fine balance—overestimating block times can cause inefficient scheduling, higher operational costs, and poor use of aircraft assets; while underestimating it can result in cascading flight delays and impact aircraft turn times that can result in customer dissatisfaction and increased penalties.

    How Airlines Optimize Schedules Using Block Time

    Airlines use flight block time to optimize flight schedules in numerous ways:

    1. Precision in scheduling: By fine-tuning block times, airlines can better align their departure and arrival schedules, minimizing gaps and improving aircraft utilization. The goal is to ensure that flights operate within the allocated time, factoring real-life operational events reducing the chance of delay-induced disruption.
    2. Resource management: Accurate block time calculations help airlines maximize resources, including aircraft, crew and ground personnel. This ensures seamless transitions between flights and reduces the likelihood of extended ground times.
    3. Fuel efficiency and emission reduction: Block time directly affects fuel consumption. Precise planning reduces the need for extra fuel reserves carried and the added carrying weight, leading to more efficient fuel use, sustainable climate-friendly flights and lower operational costs.
    4. On-Time Performance (OTP): Airlines are measured by individual OTP—how often scheduled departure and arrival times are met. Properly calculated block times help airlines maintain and/or improve OTP, thus enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
    5. Minimizing Delays: By anticipating block time variability due to factors like weather or ATC delays, airlines can adjust schedules to mitigate the ripple effect of delays on subsequent flights.

    How Cirium’s Analytic Solutions Empower Airlines

    Given the myriads of variables affecting flight operations, airlines are turning to data analytics to improve the accuracy and reliability of block time calculations. This is where Cirium – the global leader and trusted source of aviation data and analytics- plays a transformative role.

    Cirium provides a range of analytic solutions to enable airlines to make data-driven decisions, optimize block time and drive operational efficiency:

    1. Flight status data: Cirium’s real-time flight status data allows airlines to monitor block time performance. By providing precise departure and arrival information, airlines can recalibrate schedules to prevent or minimize delays or disruptions from cascading across their network.
    2. Historical data analysis: Cirium’s analytics leverage vast amounts of historical flight data so that airlines can model future schedules. This includes identifying patterns related to airport congestion, seasonal traffic, weather impacts and even route inefficiencies. Airlines use these insights to fine-tune block time estimates, reducing unnecessary buffers and improving OTP.
    3. Predictive analytics: With predictive insights, airlines can anticipate irregularities like weather disruptions or ATC constraints, allowing for dynamic adjustments in block time. Cirium’s predictive tools enable airlines to build in contingency plans or react to anticipated disruptions without overcommitting resources, thereby maintaining both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
    1. Benchmarking performance: Cirium’s analytics also provide benchmarking capabilities, allowing airlines to compare OTP and scheduling efficiency against themselves and competitors. This helps to pinpoint opportunities for improvement in block time planning.
    2. Disruption management: When disruptions do occur, Cirium’s analytics can assist airlines to manage rerouting and scheduling adjustments quickly, ensuring minimal impact on operations and passenger experience.

    Enhancing Airline Efficiency With Advanced Block Time Analytics

    Accurate flight block time calculation is essential for airlines striving to operate efficiently in a highly competitive industry. Airlines must consider multiple dynamic factors when estimating block time, including airborne time, ground operations, weather and ATC delays. With the help of advanced analytics from Cirium, airlines can better predict, optimize and respond to fluctuations in block time, leading to improved punctuality, resource management, and customer satisfaction.

    In an industry where time truly is money, solutions like Cirium’s provide airlines with the tools they need to not only optimize block time but also enhance their overall performance and remain competitive in the market. By embracing data-driven insights, airlines can ensure their flight schedules are as precise and efficient as possible, paving the way for more reliable and profitable operations.

    CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

  • The Right Way to Shape Your Digital Transformation

    Andrew Shanks
    Andrew Shanks

    Andrew Shanks, VP of Cirium Sky, Cirium

    Digital transformation isn’t something new, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data-driven decision-making have been on the lips of many airline and airport operations executives. The reality, however, is that there has been little movement in some of the key functional areas, which if untapped could significantly impact the digital transformation initiatives of the airline or airport.

    One key functional area that is close to my heart is operations, given that I come from an operations background! An airline or airport operations centre serves as the control hub and the people in this operational heartbeat have taken on the role of superheroes. There is more pressure on these teams to improve planning and real-time collaboration and that is where the new superhero enters the room – the operations analytics teams.

    Operations analytics teams are on the rise and are integral to the success of a digital transformation strategy. The teams can tap into a wealth of data and derive invaluable insights to surface to teams across the operational teams and significantly accelerate the planning, real-time collaboration and post-ops analysis at an airline or airport.

    This is where I have been focusing my time as VP of the Cirium Sky product, which acts as a digital gateway to Cirium’s high quality aviation data and analytics. I have been listening to airlines and airports globally to understand how data can truly make a difference. Through our discovery at Cirium, we see positional analytics as a key area of focus which if delved into could have a big impact on digital transformation.

    Positional Analytics

    Most operations centres use maps to track flights and aircraft in real time but there’s so much more that can be analyzed. What if the operations teams could examine what was planned against what route was flown in both distance and time? And, what if those insights could be benchmarked against the competition? This would enable teams to see how consistent plans are and where they can be adjusted, and in the real-time, use the positional analytics to predict arrival times and provide more accurate insights to the teams that need it.

    The key to doing this is to access data that can be trusted, fuse multiple datasets together and make it interconnected across the teams that need it.

    Cirium is working with airlines doing this and the insights are fascinating. Two major airlines are examining Cirium’s positional data and analytics through Cirium Sky Warehouse, building a story of their flights and analyzing where others might be taking a different approach to their flying. The initial focus is centred on particular events such as weather or runway closures and learning how that affects their program. This valuable information is then being fed back into planning departments for future events of those types.

    Together we can transform the future of travel.

  • Generative AI: Transforming Data Insights Into Aviation Magic

    Niha Shaikh, VP of Product, Cirium Journey

    “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.

    This quote from Arthur C. Clarke rings truer than ever as we experience unprecedented technological advancements. The world we live in today feels almost magical with everything at our fingertips. Gone are the days when a phone call would disrupt your internet connection. Technology is at the heart of everything and with the renewed interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) due to the rise of generative AI, things have never been so magical!

    Historically, aviation has been a cornerstone of technological innovation, setting the pace for advancements across various domains. We’ve seen the aircraft design evolve from the Wright Flyer to the modern-day jets and witnessed the advancements in avionics, including GPS navigation and autopilot systems that profoundly improved flight safety and operational efficiency. As e-commerce gained traction, the first airline ticket was sold online in 1995. 4 years later, you could check-in online and get your boarding pass. The passenger experience became much more seamless with AI chatbots, multiple booking options and various conveniences. However, as these foundational technologies matured, the pace of innovation in aviation began to slow down compared to the rapid advancements seen in mainstream technology.

    And not all sectors of aviation equally reaped the benefits of new tech. The operational side is still fraught with challenges.

    The logistics of moving goods and people from point A to point B with good performance consistently is extremely challenging as the operational landscape is ever-changing with lots of variables. Working on gut feel is no longer viable given that the global travel and economic landscape is changing rapidly. It is far too time-consuming to look for the needles (useful insights) in a haystack (mountains of data). Airlines and Airports often miss key pieces of context that often contribute to a lack of situational awareness eventually leading to operational inefficiencies. Often, the operations teams struggle to gauge their performance accurately as they lack comparative information from similar days or situations, making it hard to understand their performance within a broader context. The time and effort required to consistently perform a deep multi-layer analysis is often cost-prohibitive. This is compounded with by long feedback loops that make it incredibly challenging to understand the cause and effect of actions taken and decisions made over time.

    In recent years, we have seen a resurgence in aviation innovation with the digital transformation movement that began during the pandemic.

    It continued to gain momentum and was further boosted with the advent of generative AI which lends itself well to the type of use cases that call for dynamic problem solving. This is much needed and timely considering the change in passenger expectations, increasing focus on greener travel and the ever-rising demand. The need for efficiency, and cost reduction, whilst delivering an enhanced passenger experience has never been greater.

    The market for AI-driven decision support tools in aviation is expanding, with airlines, airports, and service providers actively seeking solutions to optimize operations with most major airlines investing heavily in data science and analytics teams, striving to put data at the heart of key organisational decisions. The AI in aviation market was valued at $686.4M in 2022 and is projected to register a CAGR of over 20% each year between 2023 and 2032 (Wadhwani, 2023).  The “Generative AI and Aviation” report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showcases that over 40% of its members are interested in leveraging GAI for disruption management-related use cases. While generative AI has seen widespread adoption in customer support, predictive maintenance, and pricing, its integration into operational processes remains slower. How do we unlock the efficiencies in the actual logistics of moving people and goods around?

    Closer collaboration between airlines, airports and technology providers is even more crucial to unlock the data silos where every actor in the system holds a different piece of the overall puzzle. Data sharing, organisation and contextualisation will be key to unlocking the unearned gains and unmet potential in the wider ecosystem. A robust foundation of comprehensive data is needed to support predictive and prescriptive analytics that can truly enhance operations across the ecosystem.

    It has always been said that Data is the new fuel, but Generative AI might just be that brand new engine that harnesses its power and propels the industry to another new era of rapid innovation and seamless experience for the passengers. In another decade or so, the experience of flying could be magical again!

    Bibliography

    *Wadhwani, P. (2023, August). Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Market Size. Retrieved from Global Market Insights : https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-in-aviation-market

  • The CrowdStrike Outage: What Does It Mean for Airlines?

    JIm Hetzel Director of Product Marketing
    JIm Hetzel Director of Product Marketing

    Jim Hetzel, Director of Product Marketing, Cirium

    Key Impacts on Global Aviation

    The recent CrowdStrike IT outage on July 19, 2024, caused significant disruptions across various sectors. The global aviation industry was particularly hard hit, leading to widespread delays and operational challenges worldwide, affecting aviation operations in numerous regions.

    • Europe: Key airports in London, Paris, and Frankfurt were affected, causing a ripple effect through European airspace.
    • North America: Major hubs like Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago saw significant disruptions, affecting both domestic and international flights.
    • Asia-Pacific: Busy transit points such as Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney experienced significant delays and cancellations, impacting both regional and long-haul flights.
    • Latin America: Airports in cities like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City were not spared, with many flights being delayed or canceled.

    Flight Cancellations

    Airlines around the world, including major carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, and United Airlines, faced the cancellation of thousands of flights. This widespread disruption affected not only countless passengers but also posed significant operational challenges for the airlines..

    According to Cirium data, out of 411,009 globally scheduled passenger flights over a 72-hour period, approximately 16,896 flights were canceled, representing just over 4% of global flights.

    This cancellation rate was double that of the previous week, which stood at 1.9%.

    Delta Air Lines, for instance, encountered a backlog in customer service and rescheduling, as reported by CNBC. American Airlines faced crew availability and logistical challenges, leading to numerous delays and cancellations, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. United Airlines had to navigate a complex web of cancellations and reassignments, straining their resources and impacting overall efficiency, according to Forbes.

    This cascade of disruptions underscores the intricate logistics of the airline industry and the pressing need for robust contingency plans to manage such widespread issues effectively.

    Even flights that were not canceled experienced significant delays. These delays rippled through busy airports, further disrupting scheduled operations and inconveniencing passengers. Travelers found themselves stranded for hours, and in some cases, days, as airlines scrambled to restore their operations. Long waits at terminals, missed connections, and the general uncertainty compounded frustrations, leaving many passengers stressed and exhausted.

    These delays affected not only immediate travel plans but also had lasting impacts on schedules and commitments, emphasizing the necessity for more resilient and responsive airline recovery strategies.

    One of the most immediate and visible impacts of the outage has been the stranding of travelers. Thousands found themselves stuck in airports with limited information on when they might be able to continue their journeys. Many of these travelers were left with no choice but to bed down in the terminals, using makeshift sleeping arrangements as they awaited re-accommodations. The scene was one of frustration and fatigue, as people spread out on benches, floors, and any available space, trying to find some semblance of comfort amid the chaos. Airport staff worked tirelessly to assist and provide updates, but the uncertainty left many feeling anxious and stranded far from their destinations.

    Travel Refunds and Waivers

    To tackle the significant challenges posed by recent travel disruptions and to sustain customer trust, airlines have rolled out a comprehensive strategy including widespread travel refunds, waivers, and vouchers for affected passengers. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining positive customer relations during difficult times.

    Major airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and United not only issued refunds but also introduced flexible rebooking options to accommodate passengers whose travel plans were disrupted. These measures allowed travelers to adjust their itineraries without additional fees, fostering a sense of security and flexibility amid uncertainty.

    While these efforts are necessary for rebuilding and maintaining customer trust, they inadvertently introduced another layer of complexity to the already strained operations of airlines. The influx of refund requests has placed a significant burden on customer service departments, requiring them to manage a high volume of inquiries efficiently. This situation has necessitated the development of streamlined processes to handle rebooking logistics effectively, ensuring that passengers receive timely updates and assistance.

    Beyond managing requests, airlines must ensure clear and informative communication. Keeping passengers informed about their options and refund statuses is crucial to prevent frustration and dissatisfaction.

    Airlines are diligently working to balance addressing immediate customer needs with maintaining operational efficiency, all while adapting to evolving travel regulations and safety protocols.

    These efforts underscore the need for airlines to enhance operational capabilities and customer service strategies. By doing so, they can navigate current complexities and emerge stronger, fostering long-term customer loyalty.

    Industry Response

    The airline industry’s response to the CrowdStrike IT outage has been comprehensive, focusing on managing the immediate crisis while also strategizing for long-term resilience.

    Immediate Measures

    The first line of response was to cancel flights to prevent further complications and manage the surge of stranded travelers in airports. Airlines have also focused on providing timely information and support to affected passengers.

    Compensation

    To maintain customer trust and alleviate frustration, airlines have issued travel refunds, waivers and vouchers. These measures aim to compensate for the inconvenience caused and offer flexibility to passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

    Operational Adjustments

    In addition to these compensations, airlines are revisiting their IT infrastructures to prevent future outages. This includes assessing current systems, investing in more robust technologies, and developing contingency plans to ensure smoother operations in the face of similar disruptions.

    What Does a CrowdStrike-type Event Mean for the Airline Industry

    Technology has significantly benefited aviation, enabling it to meet the growing demand for air travel. However, the CrowdStrike IT outage has exposed the industry’s vulnerability due to its heavy dependence on technology. While the immediate priority involves addressing cancellations, delays, and customer compensation, the incident underscores the urgent need for airlines to develop more resilient IT systems.

    To prevent or lessen the effects of technology outages, airlines need to implement several crucial measures:

    • Invest in redundant systems: Airlines must consider implementation of dual or even triple redundancy in their IT infrastructure. This means having backup systems, leveraging different vendors, ready to take over immediately if the primary system fails, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
    • IT vendor accountability: Airlines are at the mercy of their IT providers in many cases. Implementing more stringent Service Level Agreement’s (SLA)  ensuresIT providers share in the pain and the financial impact that their actions have on their airline customers in terms of operational costs and customer compensation.
    • Enhance cybersecurity measures: Frequent and rigorous cybersecurity assessments and upgrades are essential. Investing in advanced security protocols, including intrusion detection systems, regular vulnerability testing, and employee training on cybersecurity awareness will enable airlines to prevent breaches that could lead to outages.
    • Develop comprehensive response plans: Airlines would benefit by regularly updating incident response plans that detail the procedures to follow during a technology outage. These plans should include clear lines of communication, designated response teams, and step-by-step protocols for managing situations efficiently.
    • Foster inter-departmental collaboration: A technology outage can affect various departments, from operations to customer service. Cultivating closer collaboration between IT, operations, and customer service teams allows airlines to streamline response efforts and ensure everyone is prepared to handle the fallout.
    • Implement continuous monitoring: Proactive monitoring of IT systems can help identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. Airlines can leverage real-time analytics to keep an eye on system performance and receive alerts for unusual activity.
    • Testing and simulation exercises: Regularly conducting tests and simulations of systems can prepare airlines for potential outages. These exercises should mimic real-world scenarios to ensure response teams can effectively handle disruptions with minimal impact.
    • Engage with technology partners: Airlines must build closer relationships with their technology providers to ensure they have priority support during outages. This collaboration can lead to quicker resolutions and shared insights on improving system resilience.
    • Educate and train staff: Regular training sessions for employees on emergency protocols and the importance of IT resilience can empower them to act quickly and efficiently during an outage.

    By prioritizing these strategies, airlines can strengthen their technological infrastructure and more effectively manage unexpected disruptions like the CrowdStrike incident. This approach ensures smoother operations and enhances customer satisfaction when facing technology challenges.

  • Cirium & RouteZero Partner to Integrate EmeraldSky for Travel

    Cirium and RouteZero have unveiled a pioneering partnership to integrate Cirium’s EmeraldSky, specifically designed for corporate travel. This innovative offering represents a major leap forward in enabling companies to monitor, improve and report their air travel emissions reductions with unmatched accuracy and transparency.

    RouteZero logo
    RouteZero

    Historically, corporations estimated the environmental impact of their air travel programs using broad assumptions based on scheduled air services. These rough estimates hindered accurate emissions tracking, and the reduction of their carbon footprints, leading to costly offsetting. The new partnership between Cirium and RouteZero transforms this process by offering post-flight emissions monitoring and reporting via EmeraldSky. This service provides precise, actionable insights based on actual flown operations, including the specific aircraft used, load factors, and the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

    Through this collaboration, corporations will benefit from highly accurate insights into their air travel emissions, powered by the EmeraldSky emissions system, which is applied after each flight. EmeraldSky is not just another methodology; it is a groundbreaking system that leverages exclusive data from the actual tail number of the aircraft used, incorporating critical details such as aircraft age, engine type, winglets, tarmac time, load factor and flight duration. Combined with our precise methodology tailored for the aviation and aerospace sectors, EmeraldSky has demonstrated an impressive accuracy margin of up to 99% of flown emissions compared to actual airline-recorded fuel and emissions measurements.

    “Leading companies are making radical, proactive changes to the way they travel to enable them to meet their Net Zero goals. Deploying RouteZero, customers travel more miles to meet more customers whilst cutting emissions. Using the most robust and accurate data available, empowers travelers to get to their destination in the most sustainable way, whilst getting their companies closer to Net Zero. Decarbonization is possible if we work together,” said Dan Brown, CEO of RouteZero.

    “The level of precision and accuracy of Cirium’s EmeraldSky CO2 emissions calculations for flights far exceeds estimates available today and leveraging this flight emission system via RouteZero enables corporations to fulfill their sustainability objectives faster and more cost effectively,” said Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium.

    This innovative service not only enhances the accuracy of emissions reporting but also helps corporations better align their travel practices with their sustainability initiatives. By leveraging Cirium’s comprehensive flight emissions data and RouteZero’s expertise in sustainability, RouteZero’s service powered by EmeraldSky sets a new standard for environmental stewardship in corporate travel management.

    Get more information about the RouteZero and Cirium’s EmeraldSky and hear how it can benefit your corporate travel program.

    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. 

    For more information, follow Cirium® on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.

    About RouteZero
    RouteZero is dedicated to helping corporations achieve their sustainability goals through innovative solutions and technologies. By providing accurate and reliable emissions data, RouteZero empowers businesses to take meaningful action towards reducing their environmental impact. For further information please visit RouteZero.com.

  • Condor Chooses Cirium as Strategic Partner for Aviation Analytics

    London, 3 September, 2024: Cirium is now Condor’s new partner for aviation analytics, with the new agreement making Cirium the airline’s single source of external aviation data, providing end-to-end data services. 

    The partnership between Cirium, the aviation analytics firm, and Condor, will empower the German carrier to further improve its operations, driving quality insights aimed at improving the businesses efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. 

    As part of this new agreement, Cirium will provide the airline with three key data sets: historical flight data, schedules data, and real-time flight data. 

    Having utilised Cirium’s historical flight data for two years, Condor’s decision to now integrate Cirium’s additional suite of products presents a unique opportunity to further streamline operations, driving direct improvements for both the business and its customers. 

    This investment in data will enable the business to swiftly identify operational trends, allowing for quick solutions that reduce costs and enhance efficiency. It will empower teams to optimise fleet management, network planning, connections, and crew scheduling, driving significant improvements across all aspects of operations. 

    Cirium’s highly regarded flight schedules product is also part of the deal, offering deeper insights into service opportunities and market demand. With the up-to-date data, Condor will be able to optimise network and crew planning, boosting efficiency and profitability across the business. 

    The addition of Cirium’s real-time flight data will also provide live updates on aircraft around the world, meaning flights can be tracked and monitored with greater detail.  

    This will support Condor’s investment in its customer experience proposition, with Cirium’s live flight data feeding directly into customer-facing digital platforms, giving travellers precise departure and arrival times so they can plan their onward journeys. The addition of real-time flight data will also transform disruption management, offering even faster rebooking options to those with missed connections. 

    “We are very excited to announce this expanded collaboration with Condor, a leading global leisure airline. Condor has been a client of Cirium, benefiting from our historical flight data, and this strengthened partnership is a testament to both the quality of our data and the dedication of the Cirium team. Through this extended relationship, we will provide Condor with the most precise and reliable industry data, helping them enhance operational performance and, most importantly, deliver timely insights to their passengers worldwide,” said Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium.

    As Germany’s most popular leisure airline, Condor has been flying customers to the world’s most beautiful destinations since 1956. With a fleet of over 50 aircraft, the airline serves around 90 destinations from Germany and Switzerland. This partnership with Cirium marks the latest step in Condor’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

    Cirium is the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, delivering powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players.  

    Equipping airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities, the company provides the clarity and intelligence needed to optimise operations, make informed decisions and accelerate revenue growth. 

    To learn more about Cirium’s products, and how they can benefit your business, visit www.cirium.com

    For Cirium media inquiries please contact media@cirium.com

    About Condor
    As Germany’s most popular leisure airline, Condor has been taking its guests to the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations since 1956. Condor operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, which are maintained by the company’s own maintenance operation, Condor Technik GmbH, according to the highest safety standards at the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf locations. In spring 2022, Germany’s most popular leisure airline unveiled its new brand identity. This illustrates the development from a leisure airline to a unique and unmistakable vacation brand. The new design was unveiled with the first A330neo, which has been operated by Condor since December 2022. As the German launch customer, Condor will then be flying 21 A330neo long-haul aircraft. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and maximum efficiency, the latest-generation 2-liter aircraft is the European front-runner with 2.1 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers and maximum customer comfort. Condor will also receive 43 brand-new short- and medium-haul aircraft of the A32Xneo family from 2024. 

    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. 

    For more information, follow Cirium® on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.