Qantas has claimed the top spot in global on-time performance rankings for major airlines, achieving its best yearly result since 2019. The Australian carrier recorded an on-time performance of 87.1% in June, according to digital flight information provider OAG. This placed it ahead of Avianca (Colombia) at 87% and IndiGo (India) at 86.6%.
On-Time Performance Metrics
An "on-time" flight is defined as one that departs or arrives within 15 minutes of its scheduled time. While Garuda Indonesia posted a higher score of 97%, it operated roughly one-third the number of flights as Qantas in June and is not classified in the major airlines category. Across all airlines, Qantas ranks 23rd overall, with a cancellation rate of 1.59%.
Virgin Australia placed 71st with 80.1% of flights on time and a cancellation rate of 0.96%. Jetstar was further back in 90th position, achieving 75.8% on-time flights and a cancellation rate of 0.77% for the month.
New Aircraft Driving Improvement
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svennson attributed the improved performance to new aircraft and operational enhancements. “We know how much our customers value getting to their destination safely and on time. Across our teams, there has been a huge amount of work to improve our reliability,” he said.
Qantas now operates 12 Airbus A220-300s, with three more arriving shortly. By the end of 2027, the A220 fleet will more than double to 29. Introduced in 2023, the A220 is praised for its large windows and quiet cabin, and burns about 25% less fuel than the Boeing 717 it replaced.
Airbus A321XLR and Operational Changes
The airline also has seven larger Airbus A321XLRs, with 41 more on order. These aircraft offer better reliability, quieter cabins, and lower fuel consumption. Recent A321XLR arrivals include an additional toilet in economy, addressing criticism of the first three planes, which had only two lavatories for 180 passengers.
The A321XLRs are progressively replacing Boeing 737s on the longest domestic route between Brisbane and Perth. This 3,600-kilometer flight is challenging for older 737s, especially when headwinds force refueling stops in Adelaide.
“While we know there’s always more to do and not every customer journey is seamless, improving reliability remains a key focus for us,” Svennson added. “We’re continuing to invest in initiatives that help more of our customers get away on time and deliver a better experience every time they fly with us.”
Boarding and Turnaround Improvements
Qantas has also introduced dual boarding of aircraft, streamlined turnaround procedures, and enhanced crew and plane allocation to boost performance.
Busiest Domestic Routes
Transport department figures from April show Melbourne to Sydney as the busiest domestic route, with 675,100 passengers, down 2.3% year-on-year. The second busiest is Brisbane to Sydney with 370,400 passengers, up 2.6%. Third is Brisbane to Melbourne with 311,500 passengers, down 2.2%.
