In a recent global on-time performance review conducted by aviation analytics company Cirium, Safair from South Africa has emerged the top-performing airline in Africa.
The report, showcased Safair’s on-time arrival rate of 92.36% securing its position as the leading airline on the continent based on 55,444 completed flights in 2023.
Kenya Airways clinched the second most efficient airline with an impressive on-time arrival rate of 71.86%, based on 41,905 completed flights.
An on-time flight, as defined by the report, is one that arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival, and for airports, it is a departure within 15 minutes of the scheduled departure. Cirium’s On-Time Performance program, which monitors global airline operational performance, draws information from diverse sources, including airlines, airports, and civil aviation authorities, providing a neutral, third-party perspective.
The program annually scrutinizes over 30 million flights, offering valuable insights into the efficiency of airlines and airports worldwide. Avianca Airlines, headquartered in Bogota, Colombia, claimed the coveted title of the most on-time global airline. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines secured the top position in North America, Iberia Express led in Europe, Copa dominated in Latin America, ANA emerged as the leader in Asia Pacific, and Oman Air maintained its supremacy in the Middle East and Africa.
Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium, remarks, “It’s incredible to witness Delta Air Lines winning its third consecutive Platinum Award and topping the North American Category. Other airline and airport winners steered through the year’s operational hurdles with exceptional performance. Their relentless pursuit of efficiency and punctuality is commendable as we venture into 2024, a year brimming with promise for the aviation sector.
Now in its 15th year, the Cirium On-Time Performance program continues to meticulously monitor global airline operational performance. Our extensive and unbiased data, derived from over 600 real-time information sources, is essential for industry stakeholders. Our data encompasses airlines, airports, global distribution systems, civil aviation authorities, and more, ensuring a comprehensive and neutral perspective.”
