Cebu Pacific reports high on-time performance

THE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific hit a 92.5 percent high in on-time performance (OTP) last September.

These figures are based on Cebu Pacific’s on-the-dot departures and departures within 15 minutes of the scheduled departure time. According to industry standards, a flight is considered to have departed from the designated bay no more than 15 minutes from the scheduled departure time.

Data from the September 2012 OTP report released by FlightStats, a leader in global flight and airport information services, last Oct. 5 indicate that the average OTP for North American carriers was 80.5 percent. Major and regional European carriers also achieved an 85 percent average OTP, while Asian carriers achieved an average 72.6 percent OTP.

“It is a company-wide goal for Cebu Pacific to provide world-class on-time performance. This way, our flights become even more convenient for passengers taking direct and connecting flights,” Cebu Pacific VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog said.

Last month’s OTP brought up Cebu Pacific’s 3rd quarter 2012 OTP average to 85.7 perent, an increase from its 70.3 percent OTP in the 1st half of 2012. Cebu Pacific’s 92.5 percent OTP for September 2012 is a significant improvement from an 85.7 percent
OTP in September 2011.

“We will continue to look for ways to further improve our OTP, and are actively working with concerned government offices to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport runway. The appointment of an independent slot coordinator, among other initiatives, yielded world-class OTP results for Cebu Pacific,” Iyog said.

She urged concerned government authorities to continue its proactive steps to minimize air traffic congestion in Manila, including well-managed airport slotting and the following government plans:

l The phased transfer of aviation schools and general aviation aircraft since these use up to 17 percent of NAIA’s capacity annually. Transfer of these operations may be expedited further.

l The upgrading of more airports outside Manila to allow night flights will decongest the NAIA runway and allow airlines to spread out their flights throughout the day.

l Building additional rapid exit ways to allow landing aircraft to immediately leave the runways. This way, other aircraft can already use the runway as soon as possible. (PR)