AirAsia Philippines retained its title as the world’s most punctual low-cost carrier in July, posting a 94.42 percent on-time performance (OTP), according to global aviation data provider OAG.
The airline ranked first among 46 low-cost carriers worldwide monitored by OAG during the month. It also placed second globally in the All Airlines category for carriers operating more than 1,500 monthly flights. This builds on its performance in June, when it recorded a 92.96 percent OTP and ranked fourth worldwide.
AirAsia Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Anna Victoria Lu attributed the improvement to efforts to optimize the airline’s fleet and streamline operations despite broader industry challenges.
“While the global geopolitical crisis and elevated fuel prices have pushed us to make difficult decisions and operational adjustments, our move to optimize our fleet is now yielding tangible benefits,” Lu said.
“It enabled us to plan our flights, fuel consumption and manage our slot compliance in close coordination with Air Traffic Control. These measures help us minimize disruptions while ensuring safe, reliable and efficient operations across our network,” she added.
The carrier strengthened its capabilities through tighter coordination with Air Traffic Services and airport authorities, alongside issuing timely travel advisories to passengers. Despite weather-related disruptions throughout July, the airline improved its OTP from 87.1 percent in May by tightening operational discipline and speeding up aircraft turnaround times.
Lu emphasized that maintaining punctuality requires constant adaptation to external factors like unpredictable weather.
“Maintaining strong on-time performance requires constant focus, especially in an operating environment where weather and other external factors can change quickly,” she said.
“But we know our guests rely on us for safe, affordable, and reliable air travel, so we continue to work even harder to deliver that. We have strengthened the way we operate to ensure we can continue serving our guests today and well into the future. Even with a low-cost model, this milestone only proves that affordable fares never come at the expense of operational reliability,” Lu added.