Aviation analytics firm Cirium has released its North American On-Time Performance Report for 2022. In 2022, Cirium tracked more than 5 million flights, 99.55% of all flights in North America. The monthly on-time performance reports that Cirium releases for airlines serve as the perfect hint for which airline had the highest on-time performance this year. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines earned the #1 spot with an OTP of 84.1%.
On-time performance
Cirium's criteria for on-time flights is that flights arrive at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. Cirium tracked 5,071,137 flights between January 1 and December 15, and 71.91% were classified as on-time arrivals.
Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen said,
“Congratulations to Delta Air Lines for their excellent punctuality performance in Cirium’s 2022 On-Time Performance Review, getting their passengers to their destination on time across North America as the market revived during 2022. Ramping back up operations so quickly after an enforced slowdown is not easy to do and the top-ranked North American airlines in Cirium’s 2022 On-Time Performance Review deserve their recognition for this well-orchestrated achievement.”
Delta is king
Delta has earned the top spot in Cirium's OTP report for two consecutive years. Though the airline has not featured in as many significant headlines as airlines like United Airlines, the Atlanta-based airline has quietly maintained the best on-time performance of any airline in North America. Every month, Cirium releases its monthly airline and airport on-time performance results. Delta was number one in North America for eight of the eleven months the report is available. The airline had two four-month runs at the number one stop, but it was knocked out over the summer by Alaska Airlines, which held the number one spot for three consecutive months.
Ranking | Airline | OTP Rate | Flights |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Delta Air Lines | 84.1% | 959,987 |
2 | Alaska Airlines | 81.42% | 231,248 |
3 | United Airlines | 81.26% | 749,725 |
4 | American Airlines | 78.77% | 1,025,075 |
5 | Southwest Airlines | 74.68% | 1,272,778 |
6 | Frontier Airlines | 68.99% | 161,982 |
7 | JetBlue Airways | 67.13% | 327,055 |
8 | Allegiant Air | 66.49% | 110,703 |
9 | WestJet | 60.66% | 89,443 |
10 | Air Canada | 55.56% | 143,141 |
Why is Delta on top, and why are Canadian airlines at the bottom?
After canceling a significant portion of its operations early this summer, Delta learned a few things. According to CEO Ed Bastian, the airline made a few changes that led to the airline closing out the year well. Earlier this year, Delta changed how it schedules pilots and cabin crew to ensure more personnel were ready to fly daily. Cutting flights in anticipation of disruptions played a big part in the airline's success.“We're positioned for the balance of this year to stay where we're at. That level of stability gives the operation the capability to focus on the task at hand.” - Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines
Delta also introduced a new boarding process, with extended time, allowing more time between flights and for flights to depart on time.
Seeing two Canadian carriers at the bottom of Cirium's list should not come as a surprise. Air Canada made headlines this summer because of short staffing, especially with ground crew. Airports were also extremely short-staffed, with numerous disruptions occurring at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Below are some of the major stories out of Canada this summer:
- Around 360 Air Canada Toronto Pearson Flights Were Canceled In 1st Week Of June.
- Air Canada Lays Out Key Steps In Aviation Recovery Plan
- More Than Half Of Domestic Flights To Canada's Major Airports Delayed Or Canceled Last Week
- Air Canada Trims Flights Over July & August By 15%
- Toronto Pearson Airport Named World's Worst For Delays
Do any of the carriers on the list surprise you? Why? Let us know in the comment section below.