National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has the best on-time performance (OTP) among domestic airlines operating in Vietnam in 2018, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAA).  

Vietnam Airlines recorded an OTP rate of 89.2%, higher than the average rate of Vietnam’s civil aviation market of 86.6%, in which Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar Pacific, and Vietnam Air Services (VASCO) are the players. 

The statistics showed that 10.8% of Vietnam Airlines’ flights were delayed while 15.8% of Vietjet Air and 18.5% of Jetstar Pacific flights were postponed or cancelled. The average figure of the whole market was 13.4%. 

In December, the delay rate of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific at Tan Son Nhat Airport were 9.06%, 31% and 10.05%, respectively, and foreign airlines averaged 12.44%. 

Statistics from FlightStats, a global flight status and tracker, showed that Vietnam Airlines’ OTP in the last two months of 2018 has improved significantly, reaching the fifth or sixth place among 35 airlines in the Asia – Pacific in terms of punctuality. 

In addition to the capabilities of the airline, flight operation also depends on factors that are beyond an airline’s control, such as inclement weather and air traffic, stated FlightStats, adding that a 100% OTP rate is nearly impossible while the 90% rate should be considered ideal. 

The OTP rate of European airlines averages around 80%, and in North America 75 – 80%. 

This is the third consecutive year that CAA has published the OTP statistics, aiming to enhance competitiveness of airlines in the market. 

CAA’s director Dinh Viet Thang said the agency would raise the rate of utilizing allocated slots for airlines from the current 85% to 90%. If air carriers fail to meet the requirement, part of their allocated slots will be revoked. 

Additionally, airlines fully complying with their flight schedules will be prioritized for landings, instead of the first-come, first-served basis, Thang added. 

Hanoitimes