BOC Aviation Limited announces its operational transactions for the fourth quarter and year ended 31 December 2022.

 

Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said, “2022 was a challenging year in which we continued to focus on the long term and passed new milestones, having committed to purchasing more than 1,020 aircraft since our inception in 1993, including 147 aircraft that were committed to in 2022. We are now in our 30th year of operation and will continue to build a solid foundation for future revenue growth."

 

David Walton, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, added, “2022 marked a year of strong operational performance where we took delivery of 34 new aircraft and transitioned 21 used aircraft to airline customers, while maintaining one of the industry’s youngest average fleet ages at 4.4 years and a long average remaining lease term of 8.1 years.”

 

Transactions Summary 

 

·       A total fleet of 633 aircraft owned, managed and on order1

 

·        An average aircraft age of 4.4 years and an average remaining lease term of 8.1 years for the 392 owned aircraft fleet, both weighted by net book value

 

·        Order book of 206 aircraft1

 

·        Executed 82 transactions in the fourth quarter of 2022 and a total of 298 in 2022, including:

Commitments in the fourth quarter to purchase 41 aircraft and a total of 147 in 2022

Delivery of eight new aircraft in the fourth quarter, and a total of 34 in 2022 

Sale of 11 owned aircraft in the fourth quarter, which brought the total number of owned and managed aircraft sold during the year to 18

13 lease commitments in the fourth quarter, bringing the total for 2022 to 78 

 

·        Customer base of 84 airlines in 39 countries and regions in the owned and managed portfolios 

 

·        Managed fleet comprised 35 aircraft, with one single aisle aircraft off lease2. The off-lease aircraft is committed for lease

 

·       Owned aircraft utilisation stable at 96% as at 31 December 2022, with three single aisle and four twin aisle aircraft off lease2. All twin aisle and one single aisle aircraft are committed for lease

Notes:

Includes all commitments to purchase aircraft including those where an airline customer has the right to acquire the relevant aircraft on delivery.

Excludes 17 owned and one managed aircraft that remain in the possession of certain Russian airlines despite the termination of the leases with those airlines.

Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Air Canada to retire.....

Air Canada has confirmed the retirement of Lucie Guillemette, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Ms Guillemette, who is responsible for the airline's commercial strategies, will retire at the end of April 2023, ending a highly successful career touching five decades at Canada's flag carrier.

Air Canada also announced a realigned senior management structure taking effect with Ms. Guillemette's departure. Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing and eCommerce, will become Executive Vice President Marketing and Digital, and President of Aeroplan. Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management, will become Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, including responsibility for Air Canada Vacations. The new appointments will be effective May 1, 2023.

"Starting with her first job as a call centre agent, Lucie has at every stage of her remarkable, 36-year career contributed to Air Canada's advancement. She is a leader who inspired her teams and all employees with her passion for customer service, her deep personal regard for her colleagues, and her unwavering commitment to our company's success," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada.

"It is no coincidence that Lucie's rise through the senior management ranks paralleled the transformation of Air Canada into a leading global carrier, with our revenue doubling and our profitability growing even faster as we undertook a major, international network expansion. Capping this, she played a critical role helping guide Air Canada through the pandemic by implementing innovative revenue strategies that will now serve as the foundation for our future. Everyone at Air Canada joins me in thanking Lucie and heartily wishing her the best for a long, fulfilling retirement."

Airbus tests new technologies to enhance pilot assistance

             Airbus UpNext, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus, has started testing new, on ground and in-flight, pilot assistance technologies on an A350-1000 test aircraft. 

 

Known as DragonFly, the technologies being demonstrated include automated emergency diversion in cruise, automatic landing and taxi assistance and are aimed at evaluating the feasibility and pertinence of further exploring autonomous flight systems in support of safer and more efficient operations.

 

“These tests are one of several steps in the methodical research of technologies to further enhance operations and improve safety,” said Isabelle Lacaze, Head of DragonFly demonstrator, Airbus UpNext. “Inspired by biomimicry, the systems being tested have been designed to identify features in the landscape that enable an aircraft to “see” and safely manoeuver autonomously within its surroundings, in the same way that dragonflies are known to have the ability to recognise landmarks.”

 

During the flight test campaign, the technologies were able to assist pilots in-flight, managing a simulated incapacitated crew member event, and during landing and taxiing operations. Taking into account external factors such as flight zones, terrain and weather conditions, the aircraft was able to generate a new flight trajectory plan and communicate with both Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the airline Operations Control Centre.

 

Oman Air ranked as most punctual airline in Middle East and Africa for 2022

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has been named top in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for punctuality. As per the results of the 2022 On-Time Performance Review by global aviation analytics leader, Cirium, the airline’s on-time arrivals stood at 91.38%, almost 5% ahead of the region’s second highest ranking airline.

The annual Cirium On-Time Performance Review is considered the global gold standard for airline and airport performance, its results based on data collected from more than 600 sources of real-time flight information. It defines on-time flights as those that arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival.

Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Air, said, “During 2022, the global operational environment has been challenging, with many airports affected by disruptions and resource challenges, as well as the lingering effects of Covid-19. Despite such a backdrop, we have continued to maintain an excellent service record. To have achieved this recognition for on-time performance against some of the world’s most reputable airlines is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all Oman Air staff across our global network. As we enter into 2023, we look forward to continuing to pursue excellence in all elements of our guest experience, from punctuality to convenience, our products and services, and of course our signature Omani hospitality.”

Continuing to position itself as a major international carrier, Oman Air has set several benchmarks for quality, comfort and hospitality in the last year, earning itself the 2023 Five-Star Major Airline rating by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), among others. Evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting market, the airline has made increasing investments in its products and services, offering guests innovative cabin design, exceptional hospitality, and a growing range of destinations from its hub in Muscat. 

Joby Appoints Former JSOC Commander Lt. Gen. Scott Howell to Advisory Board

Joby Aviation, Inc has announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. (ret) Scott Howell, former Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), to the Company’s Advisory Board.

As JSOC Commander, Lt. Gen. Howell was responsible for the readiness and mission execution of highly-specialized forces across the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. Howell previously served as Vice Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), focused on organizing, training, and equipping more than 70,000 Special Operations personnel, as well as the organization’s acquisitions and budgeting. Lt. Gen. Howell served in special operations for more than two decades and deployed extensively.

“The U.S. government and in particular the Department of Defense have been important partners to Joby for more than five years, supporting the development and testing of our technology through access to DoD expertise, feedback, and facilities,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby.

“Our collaboration is a vital source of operational experience and near-term support for research and development activities, and, as we move closer to our primary goal of launching a commercial aerial ridesharing service, we look forward to growing these partnerships, as we draw on Scott’s broad experience in this field,” he added.

LCI signs deal for 40 of Elroy Air's Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

LCI, a leading aviation company and a subsidiary of Libra Group, has signed an agreement with Elroy Air, developer of advanced autonomous cargo aircraft systems, to acquire up to 40 of the company's Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

LCI's investment in Elroy Air's system underpins the Company's long-term commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Under the terms of the deposit-backed agreement, LCI will initially acquire 20 aircraft with an option for a total of up to 40 units. The VTOL aircraft are currently under development at Elroy Air's facility in South San Francisco, California.

The Chaparral is the first end-to-end autonomous VTOL cargo delivery system.  It is designed for aerial transport of up to 500 lbs (225 kgs) of goods over a 300 nautical mile range.  This is enabled initially by a turbine-based hybrid-electric powertrain with distributed electrical propulsion, and specially designed aerodynamic modular cargo pods. 

Its applications include safe, efficient and cost-effective aerial cargo transport for commercial logistics, disaster relief, firefighting and humanitarian operations without risk to pilots or the need for airport infrastructure.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: "This commitment for the pioneering Chaparral system will enable us to efficiently support mission critical, remote logistical work and socially responsible humanitarian efforts around the world.  It will do so in complement with the wide-ranging capabilities of our existing aviation fleet."

"We have been impressed with Elroy Air's vision and approach and look forward to working closely with the team on a wide range of opportunities.  This forms part of our wider advanced air mobility strategy and will strengthen LCI's position as a leading provider of leasing, financing and investing solutions for this new and exciting market."

David Merrill, CEO and Co-Founder of Elroy Air, says: "We're experiencing an enthusiastic response to the Chaparral and its capabilities to serve as a key part of a safe, efficient, and capable fleet of aircraft to respond in emergency situations, protect pilots, and enable rapid logistics in a new and sustainable way.

"Through our agreement with LCI, the Chaparral will be available for financing - enabling much broader access to the aircraft. We are proud that the Chaparral will now be part of LCI's aviation fleet and look forward to providing aerial cargo transport globally."

easyJet opens maintenance hangar at Berlin-Brandenburg airport

easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, has opened a new purpose built 4 bay hangar facility at Berlin-Brandenburg airport

The airline's European, Austrian-registered, fleet comprised of 135 aircraft will all be maintained at the first continental maintenance facility

The hangar opening represents a 20 million Euro investment in the Berlin-Brandenburg region and is a clear commitment to the airline's ongoing presence in Berlin/Brandenburg 

easyJet, Flughafengesellschaft Berlin Brandenburg (FBB) and the Brandenburg state government celebrated the opening of the easyJet maintenance hangar at Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport (BER) with a joint opening ceremony on Wednesday, 10 January. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Steinbach, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg, Aletta von Massenbach, Chairwoman of the Management Board of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH, and Thomas Haagensen, Group Markets Director at easyJet and Managing Director of easyJet Europe.

The new hangar, which started construction in September 2021, will provide easyJet with the capacity needed to ensure it can operate in the most efficient, safe and competitive way. The project was supported by the Wirtschaftsförderung Brandenburg as well as easyJet's chosen partner MRO Facilities, who managed the design and construction to deliver market leading operational performance.

The maintenance hangar was built in accordance with the German Building Energy Act Gebäudeenergiegesetz, GEG) and as such meets the requirements for energy-efficient construction in the EU. More than 100 easyJet employees will be responsible at the new facility in BER for the supervision and management of aircraft maintenance activities of the easyJet Europe-fleet, which currently comprises 135 aircraft (incl. 8 A320neo and 5 A321neo). This will further improve the efficiency of operational processes and save maintenance costs in the long term. easyJet continues to operate its aircraft as efficiently as possible, being one of the largest single brand operators of A320neo family aircraft in Europe and is always looking for further efficiency improvements to reduce fuel burn and therefore carbon emissions.

Captain David Morgan, easyJet’s COO, said: 

“The opening of the maintenance hangar is a great milestone to start the year with.  We would like to thank our partners for their support in carrying out this ambitious project and we look forward to returning one of the first aircraft maintained here today back into our operation. The NEO aircraft is equipped with the latest Descent Profile Optimisation (DPO) technology which is one of the ways we can achieve substantial and permanent carbon emission reductions by enabling the most efficient descents.

So now our maintenance operations here at BER can get underway and we look forward to welcoming many more aircraft from our modern easyJet Europe fleet in the coming years as we continue to renew the fleet, with the ultimate ambition to transition our fleet to zero carbon emission aircraft.”

Emirates invests in high-speed inflight broadband onboard 50 new A350 aircraft

Emirates will offer passengers yet another opportunity to ‘fly better’, with new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft - scheduled to enter service in 2024. The new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic.

The Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to take advantage of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, ensuring passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole. The advanced high-speed capabilities of the broadband will enable Emirates passengers to stay connected with family and friends, browse the internet, and enjoy social media, all from the comfort of their seat.  

The GX network that will power the Emirates inflight broadband currently consists of five Ka-band satellites and will be further enhanced with the addition of seven more satellite payloads as part of Inmarsat's fully funded technology roadmap. This includes two Inmarsat-6s, the most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built, both of which are scheduled to enter service in 2023. These will be followed by three additional satellites in geostationary orbit – adding speed, capacity, and resilience – and two in highly elliptical orbit, to enable the world’s only commercial mobile broadband service for aircraft flying in higher elevations and across the Arctic, such as routes between the Middle East and North America.

How to cure a fear of flying – six tips for stress free travel

It’s well known that airline travel is safer than travelling by car, yet fear of flying - or aviophobia - remains one of the most common phobias of modern life, believed to affect around one in ten of the population. André Viljoen, former commercial airline pilot and logistics manager at Artemis Aerospace, offers some positive advice to help beat anxiety when you next board an aircraft.

As a former commercial pilot, it wasn’t unusual to hear of passengers experiencing anxiety or panic attacks during a flight. While cabin crew are trained to calm and reassure passengers, it can be a distressing experience for the sufferer, and unsettling for fellow travellers.

Most of us know that fear of flying is irrational. Statistics consistently reveal that air travel is far safer than other modes of transport. Latest figures from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) reveal 2.14 accidents per 1.93 million global scheduled departures in 2021, resulting in 104 fatalities. Secretary General of the ICAO, Juan Carlos Salazar, said the statistics confirmed yet again that ‘air transport is the safest mode of transport.’ 

Compare this to road travel, where in Britain alone there were 927 road users killed in 2021, with over 65,000 people suffering injuries in road traffic accidents. Globally, more than 1.35 million people die in road accidents every year.

Statistics aside, there’s something about air travel that continues to unnerve passengers. Perhaps it’s the claustrophobia of the cabin, underlying anxiety about journeying a long way from home, or even the in-flight safety demonstration that tips people over the edge.

So, what can be done to address this very real problem? These six practical strategies are proven to help people reduce the fear associated with flying.

Exposure-based techniques

Spaceflight and Maritime Launch agree to future Sherpa OTV missions

Spaceflight Inc., a premier launch and in-space transportation services provider, announced this week it signed an agreement with Maritime Launch Services Inc. to launch up to five of its Sherpa(™) Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs). The launches will be from Spaceport Nova Scotia aboard the Cyclone-4M beginning in 2025.

Spaceflight has successfully delivered more than 550 spacecraft across 55 launches, including both rideshare and dedicated launches, on a wide variety of launch vehicles. This includes launching five Sherpa OTVs, which carried more than 50 payloads to space.

“We’re eager to expand our portfolio of launch vehicle partners to carry our Sherpa OTVs to space. Maritime Launch represents an exciting new option as the first vehicle partner to launch from a commercial spaceport in North America,” said Curt Blake, CEO and president of Spaceflight Inc. “Not only does the Cyclone-4M deliver a wide variety of desirable inclinations for our customers, but the pricing is very attractive. The agreements to transport our Sherpa OTVs are foundational in our continuing efforts to expand our OTV capabilities from last-mile delivery to in-orbit servicing.”

Historic UK mission reaches space but falls short of orbit

The historic first attempt to launch satellites from British soil reached space late on Monday night, but ultimately fell short of reaching its target orbit.

After successfully taking off from the runway at Spaceport Cornwall – which just a few weeks ago was transformed from a mere slab of empty cement at a commercial airport to the world’s newest space launch operations center – and travelling to the designated drop zone, Cosmic Girl, the customized 747 that serves as the LauncherOne system’s carrier aircraft, successfully released the rocket.

The rocket then ignited its engines, quickly going hypersonic and successfully reaching space. The flight then continued through successful stage separation and ignition of the second stage. However, at some point during the firing of the rocket’s second-stage engine and with the rocket travelling at a speed of more than 11,000 miles per hour, the system experienced an anomaly, ending the mission prematurely.

Though the mission did not achieve its final orbit, by reaching space and achieving numerous significant first-time achievements, it represents an important step forward. The effort behind the flight brought together new partnerships and integrated collaboration from a wide range of partners, including the UK Space Agency, the Royal Air Force, the Civil Aviation Authority, the US Federal Aviation Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, and more, and demonstrated that space launch is achievable from UK soil.

Out of five LauncherOne missions carrying payloads for private companies and governmental agencies, this is the first to fall short of delivering its payloads to their precise target orbit.

Spark - the new brand from Hilton ....

Hilton’s portfolio extends into the premium economy category with more than 100 deals already in various stages of development.....

Hilton today announced the launch of Spark by Hilton, the newest addition to its portfolio of world-class brands. Following extensive research, the introduction of Spark by Hilton fills an open space in the industry by creating a new premium economy lodging option to meet the needs of even more guests and owners seeking value, quality and consistency.  

Spark by Hilton provides a simple, reliable and comfortable stay for every guest, ​​all at an accessible price. For developers, Spark by Hilton leverages an innovative conversion model to offer a compelling investment option for owners. 

Spark by Hilton builds on Hilton’s continued work evaluating the market to develop new brands to meet the evolving needs of guests and owners and provide a hotel for every traveller for every stay. Over the last 15 years, Hilton has more than doubled its brand portfolio and number of rooms around the world organically, creating a diverse, yet complementary range of brands across categories.

Serving guests looking to maximize the value of their travel experience, Spark by Hilton will deliver reliable, friendly essentials with unexpected touches. Signature elements of Spark by Hilton will include: ​​​​ 

Thoughtful Simplicity: Spark by Hilton will offer simple, inspired design with splashes of color and cheer that bring the outdoors in. Each hotel will provide a welcoming sense of arrival with colorful exterior statement walls and energizing artwork. The public space will feature multi-functional seating from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. Guest rooms will be comfortable and relaxing so travelers can unwind and recharge for whatever comes next. Focusing on practical amenities, the simple, streamlined furniture will include an open closet, in-room refrigerator, multi-purpose work surface and bright bathroom. 

Reliable Service: As part of the Hilton family of brands, ​guests will feel welcome and confident in their stay from the moment they walk through the door. Warm and inviting hotel team members with attention to detail will provide happy and helpful service. And, guests will be empowered with the tools needed to make the most of their stay, such as 24-hour digital check-in and Digital Key.  ​  

Unexpected Touches: Spark by Hilton will help add value to the guest experience by offering a simple, complimentary breakfast, featuring premium coffee, juice and a signature bagel bar with spreads, so guests can fuel up before hitting the road. The brand will also offer a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travelers.  

Consistent Quality: To ensure the goal of a consistent, quality guest experience, each hotel will be required to complete a full renovation, encompassing all guest-facing areas of the hotel, prior to joining Spark by Hilton and the Hilton family. 

“In looking at the economy category, we saw a segment that has grown dramatically but lacks consistency, providing us an opportunity to deliver on the needs of this underserved segment of travellers,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “True to its name, Spark by Hilton signifies the start of something great – a moment of ignition as we add energy and momentum into the category and deliver the most reliable and friendly stays. This breakthrough premium economy brand will deliver the essentials done exceptionally well for every guest, every time along with friendly service – ensuring all travellers can enjoy a great hotel experience where they feel truly cared for.” 

Hilton is creating greater value for owners and operators with the launch of Spark by Hilton. This cost-effective conversion brand provides a unique opportunity for existing properties by reimagining the economy segment and focusing on areas that drive the guest experience while also providing a consistent look and feel across each hotel. 

Owners also will benefit from Hilton’s powerful network effect, resilient business model, and high-performing commercial engines, including supply chain management, a cost-effective pricing model and automated customer offerings such as digital check-in and Digital Key. 

“Spark by Hilton was developed in close collaboration with our developer community, and we are thrilled by the positive feedback and excitement we have received to date,” said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton. “In fact, we already have more than 100 deals in various stages of development across the U.S., with the first properties anticipated to open this year.”  

Zurich Airport: “Zone West” project to continue after Covid-induced break

Construction work in Zone West is resuming at Zurich Airport. Work was suspended for around two years because of the Covid pandemic. The planned 14 aircraft stands are now being constructed from mid-January at the western side of the airport.

The “Zone West” construction project is not new. Work commenced back in February 2020. The substrate at the western side of the airport was raised and levelled in 2020, and various pipes (wastewater, water and electricity) were laid. However, owing to the Covid pandemic and in order to protect the company’s liquidity, the project was suspended at the end of 2020. The reduced air traffic during the pandemic helped insofar as the stands were not yet needed. Now, with the resumed increase in passenger and flight volume and in view of the ten or so-year construction phase for the new Dock A, the aircraft stands will be needed already next year. 

Construction in Zone West will resume with further service systems from mid-January 2023, which will be integrated into the substrate of the future stands. The pavement of the new flight operations areas will then be laid, starting in early summer. A total of 14 stands for scheduled and charter aircraft and a parking space for business jets will be built on the western side of the airport. 

The redesign of Zone West will result in the skating and cycling path around the western edge of the airport being rerouted around the new area. This work will commence in March. The changeover from the old to the new route will be seamless. 

The new stands at the western side of the airport are set to become operational in autumn 2024. 

New viewing platform for plane spotters 

The plane spotters’ hill with the Heli Grill will remain at its old location during the first phase of construction. Owing to the changes in Zone West it will be replaced by a new viewing platform a little further to the north, probably in autumn 2023, which will offer a better view of flight operations and the runway intersection. A seamless transition from the plane spotters’ hill to the viewing platform should be ensured, based on the current planning status. 

Delta Air Lines is the most punctual airline in the U.S.

OAG, the world’s leading data platform for the global travel industry, has revealed the most punctual airlines and airports in North America as part of its Punctuality League 2023. Delta finished 2022 as the most punctual airline in the U.S. with an on-time performance (OTP) of 81.79% and an extremely low cancellation rate of just 0.01%. Alaska Airlines (#2; OTP 79.13%), United Airlines (#3; OTP 79.10%), American Airlines (#4; OTP 77.38%) and Hawaiian Airlines (#5; OTP 75.80%) rounded out the Top 5 most on-time airlines in North America.

Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines rank among the Top 10 most on-time Mega Airlines in the world.

Spirit Airlines is the most punctual low-cost-carrier (LCC) in North America.

Nine U.S. airports rank among the Top 10 Mega Airports globally, including Los Angeles International, Dallas Fort Worth International, Chicago O’Hare International and Charlotte Douglas International.

U.S. carriers showed strong performance among Mega Airlines and low-cost carriers (LCCs) despite winter weather disruptions over the Christmas holiday, including Southwest which cancelled 16,873 flights alone in December. Globally, seven U.S. carriers ranked among the Top 20 Mega Airlines (defined by the number of flights operated) in the world. Delta ranked #6, followed by Alaska (#7), United (#8) American (#9) and Spirit Airlines (#10; OTP 73.18%). Among the Top 20 low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the world, Spirit ranked #13, followed by Southwest (#14; OTP 71.61%) and Frontier Airlines (#18; OTP 66.18%), with JetBlue (OTP 63.90%) finishing just outside the Top 20 at #21.

U.S. airports dominated OAG’s Mega Airports category, with 14 ranking among the Top 20 globally. These include Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (#2; OTP 80.08%), Seattle-Tacoma International (#3; OTP 79.98%), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (#4; OTP 79.72%), Charlotte Douglas International (#5; OTP 79.59%), Los Angeles International (#6; OTP 78.63%), Chicago O’Hare International (#7; OTP 77.86%), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (#8; OTP 76.80%), Dallas Fort Worth International (#9; OTP 76.15%) and Miami International (#10; OTP 73.97%), among others.

Salt Lake City International (#1; OTP 83.59%) is the most punctual airport in the U.S. overall, followed by Boise Airport (#2; OTP 82.92%) and Fresno Yosemite International (#3; OTP 81.58%).

“Strong performance by U.S. Mega Airlines and Mega Airports reflects the competitive nature of the rapidly-recovering U.S. domestic market in 2022,” said John Grant, chief analyst at OAG. “Despite a tough end to the year, overall on-time performance is improving across the board as carriers provided slightly less frequency to ease operational pressures and delays. This in turn allows many carriers to deliver OTP levels last seen in the pre-pandemic era, if not better.”

Download the full report for more insights from OAG’s Punctuality League 2023.

Criteria

OAG defines on-time performance (OTP) as flights that arrive or depart within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival or departure times. Cancellations are included within the OTP calculations and are counted as late flights. To qualify for inclusion, OAG must have flight status data for at least 80% of all scheduled flights operated by the airline or airport.

Airlines ranked in the 250 largest global airlines are analyzed. Airline OTP is calculated based on arrivals data only. OTP calculations are based on operating carrier code and are restricted to scheduled passenger flights only. All scheduled flights operated by affiliate carriers on behalf of another carrier are included in the analysis. Flights where OAG does not have the required arrival time, or confirmation that the flight was diverted or cancelled, are not included in the OTP calculations for airlines.

Airports must have a minimum of 2.5M departing seats. Airport OTP calculations are restricted to scheduled passenger flights only and are calculated based on both departures and arrivals data. Flights where OAG does not have the required departure and arrival time, or confirmation that the flight was diverted or cancelled, are not included in the OTP calculations for airports.

Emirates expands Asian network with Haneda resumption

Emirates will resume its services to Tokyo-Haneda starting from 2 April 2023, building back its Japanese network and providing even more choice and flexibility for travellers to one of the region’s top economies and destinations.

Operated by one of Emirates’ latest Boeing 777 “Game Changer” aircraft, flight EK312 will depart Dubai at 07:50hrs, and arrive in Haneda at 22:35hrs. The return flight EK313 will depart Haneda at 00:05hrs, and arrive in Dubai at 06:20hrs. All times are local.*

The resumption underscores Emirates’ continued support to Japan’s post-pandemic travel and tourism revival, serving the surging demand for international travel and increasing inbound traffic from key markets across its global network. Emirates’ return to Haneda will further boost the airline’s operations in the market, alongside its daily A380 service to Tokyo-Narita and a daily Boeing 777 service to Osaka.

Since the route’s launch in 2013, and until the pandemic hit, Haneda has always been one of the key points on Emirates’ network for trade and tourism. The airline remains committed to supporting Japan’s accelerated growth and recovery and has recently celebrated 20 milestone years of operations to Osaka – the country’ second largest metropolitan city after Tokyo. Emirates also offers passengers access to 26 additional domestic cities in Japan and 10 regional points via Tokyo and Osaka, through its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines.