Japan Airlines world’s most punctual airline

Japan Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline, according to the FlightStats 2012 On-time Performance Service Awards.

The On-time Performance Service Awards programme recognises airlines around the world that achieve sustained operational excellence.

Airlines are recognised for delivering the highest percentage of flights to their arrival gates within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

This is the third year in the history of the awards for Japan Airlines (JAL) to take the top spot (with a 90.35 per cent on-time average).

Not only have they won two previous times in the Major International Airlines but they also have been in the top five since the awards began in 2009.

“Achieving the sustained operational excellence necessary to be honoured by the FlightStats On-time Performance Service Awards requires a focused effort from all employees,” says JAL’s Yoshiki Minami.

“Striving for on-time excellence is much more than simply winning an award. It is a reflection of our commitment to providing a world-class travelling experience for our customers globally,” he added.

The other finalists in The Major International Airlines were Air New Zealand; All Nippon Airways; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; and Scandinavian Airlines.

In the Europe Major Airlines category, LOT Polish Airlines came top with an 89.35 per cent on-time average.

Aer Lingus; Finnair; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; and Scandinavian Airlines narrowly missed out on the top spot.

Other categories in the FlightStats 2012 On-time Performance Service Awards included: Lowest Global Cancellations; Middle East and Africa Major Airline; Pacific Major Airlines; South America Major Airlines; and Global Airline Alliances.