Cirium, the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, has unveiled the winners of its 2024 On-Time Performance Review, an annual benchmark report that highlights airlines and airports excelling in punctuality and operational efficiency. This prestigious review sets the global standard for evaluating performance in the aviation industry. An on-time flight is defined as arriving at the gate within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled time. Similarly, airports assess punctuality based on departures within the same timeframe.
Airline Aeromexico Crowned World’s Most Punctual Airline of 2024
Topping the global rankings for 2024 is Aeromexico, achieving an exceptional on-time performance rate of 86.70%. Saudia claimed the second spot with 86.35%, while Delta Air Lines secured third place with 83.46%, showcasing its unwavering reliability. These rankings highlight the dedication of airlines worldwide to ensure timely arrivals and departures despite operational complexities.
The review also features regional awards, celebrating airlines that demonstrated outstanding punctuality within their respective areas. In Europe, Iberia Express, part of the International Airlines Group, emerged as the most punctual airline and the leading low-cost carrier globally. In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan Airlines claimed the top spot, narrowly surpassing All Nippon Airways. Delta Air Lines continued to dominate North America, while Copa Airlines retained its title as Latin America’s most punctual airline for the tenth time. In the Middle East and Africa, Safair earned the distinction of being the most punctual carrier.
Airports That Excelled in Punctuality
In the global airport categories, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport clinched the coveted title of “World’s Most Punctual Airport” with an impressive on-time departure rate of 86.65%. The airport also triumphed in the “Major Airport” category, outpacing formidable competitors worldwide.
Tocumen International Airport in Panama, the home base for Copa Airlines, was recognized as the most punctual “Medium Airport,” while Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was honored as the most punctual “Small Airport.” These awards underscore the commitment of airports to enhance operational efficiency and improve passenger experiences.
Cirium Platinum Awards: A Holistic Approach to Operational Excellence
The Cirium Platinum Awards provide special recognition for airlines and airports excelling in operational excellence. Delta Air Lines secured the Platinum Award for the fourth consecutive year, affirming its position as a leader in global aviation. This accolade considers various factors, including the complexity of the airline’s network, flight volume, and its ability to minimize disruptions. With an on-time performance rate of 83.46% across over 1.7 million flights, Delta demonstrated unparalleled operational resilience in 2024.
For the first time, Cirium introduced a Platinum Award for airports, with El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, earning the inaugural honor. The award takes into account a broad range of metrics such as passenger impact from delays, disruption duration, operational intricacies, and growth potential. This comprehensive evaluation sets a new standard for assessing airport performance.
A Challenging Year for Aviation
Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium, emphasized the industry’s resilience during a turbulent year. “In an industry defined by operational complexity, we are extremely proud to reward airlines and airports that have delivered exceptional on-time performance and operational excellence in 2024,” he remarked.
Bowen highlighted the challenges faced by the aviation sector, including severe weather conditions and a significant IT outage. Despite these obstacles, airlines and airports worked diligently to maintain operational integrity and meet passenger expectations.
He added, “We extend our congratulations to all of this year’s winners, who have set new benchmarks for excellence. Special recognition goes to Delta Air Lines for its remarkable achievement, Copa Airlines for securing its tenth title in Latin America, Iberia Express for its consistent performance in Europe, and El Dorado International Airport for its groundbreaking Platinum Award win.”
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Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review, now in its 16th edition, remains the gold standard for tracking airline and airport performance. The report is built on Cirium’s extensive database, which integrates data from over 600 sources, including airlines, airports, global distribution systems, and civil aviation authorities. This unbiased and thorough approach ensures accurate insights into the industry’s operational performance.
To further enhance the credibility of the review, Cirium collaborates with an independent advisory board of seasoned industry professionals who provide invaluable expertise. This combination of data-driven analysis and expert guidance underscores the report’s reputation as a trusted resource for stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem.