PAL falls to 8th place in most punctual list

MANILA, Philippines —  Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) retained its position as one of the most punctual operators in Asia Pacific, but dropped seven notches in February as Singapore Airlines zoomed to the top.

According to Cirium’s On-Time Performance Monthly Report, PAL registered a punctuality rate of 78.23 percent in February, which means three in four flights landed in their destinations on time.

With this score, PAL extended its win run as one of the most punctual airlines as it ranked eighth in February.

However, this placement is far from what PAL achieved in January when it recorded an on-time rate of 86.85 percent to lead the region in punctuality. Back then, the airline outperformed some of the most decorated carriers, including Singapore Airlines and Japanese operators.

This time, the world’s finest operators asserted their dominance in Asia Pacific. Leading the way for the region is Singapore Airlines, turning in a punctuality rate of 84.12 percent.

All Nippon Airways landed next with 82.85 percent, while Cathay Pacific followed at third with 82.03 percent, with Japan Airlines coming in at fourth with 81.41 percent.

Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Peach Aviation placed fifth, sixth and seventh, recording on-time rates of 81.09 percent, 80.9 percent and 78.75 percent, respectively.

The list was rounded up by Air New Zealand (76.7 percent) and Jetstar (75.85 percent).

Flight cancellations in Asia Pacific dropped for the second month in a row, by 22 percent to 23,551 in February, from 30,088 in January. The region is expected to lead the world on flight disruptions as its airlines and airports remain understaffed.

PAL, for its part, is keen on sustaining its title as one of the most on-time airlines in Asia Pacific, vowing to work with stakeholders in improving its performance. It expects to receive new aircraft this year to expand its fleet in serving passengers.

Internally, PAL is on the lookout for opportunities to strengthen its financial standing, confirming last month that its doors are open for new investors who can contribute in growing the business.

Nonetheless, PAL’s parent PAL Holdings Inc. said although sentiment to welcome new investors is strong, the company has yet to initiate negotiations with anyone.