iscover
The overall on-time performance of Australia’s domestic airlines dropped by 5 per cent last financial year, according to a compendium of government aviation statistics released today.
About 80 per cent of domestic flights left on time during 2010-11, down from 85 per cent the previous financial year. On-time arrivals were down from 84 per cent to 79 per cent, while cancellations increased from 1 per cent to 1.6 per cent.
The numbers, which cover the period from July 1 2010 through June 30 2011, in part reflect the impact of severe weather in early 2011, including Cyclones Yasi and Carlos, and the volcanic ash cloud from Chile in June 2011.
The average on time performance was also weighed down by Tiger Airways, which managed just 65.9 per cent on-time flights, well below all other airlines. Tiger has improved its on-time performance since returning to the air following a six week grounding in July and August 2011.
For the period, Qantas led domestic carriers with an 83.1 per cent on-time arrival date, followed by Virgin at 78.7 per cent and Jetstar at 77.3 per cent.
Since 2003, the average on-time rate for Australian domestic carriers is 84.4 per cent for departures and 83.1 per cent for arrivals, with cancellations averaging 1.2 per cent.
According to the report, compiled by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics, international and domestic passenger numbers increased for the ninth consecutive year, with both hitting record levels. The report said Australia’s aviation industry supports 50,000 jobs and injects more than $5 billion annually into the country’s economy.
Some highlights:
