Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been named as Europe’s most punctual airline and ranked as the second most punctual globally in March 2025.
This acknowledgment, awarded by Cirium, a globally respected authority in aviation analytics, highlights SAS’ reliability; notably amidst the demanding conditions of winter operations.
Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS, expressed his pride, stating, “We’re extremely proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication and teamwork across SAS.”
“Punctuality is a core priority, and this recognition shows how far we’ve come — from overcoming challenges to leading the way.”
Strong March Performance
In March, SAS demonstrated exceptional operational efficiency, achieving an impressive on-time performance rate of 91.92% across its European network.
This remarkable figure positioned SAS at the pinnacle of punctuality in Europe and secured its place as the second most punctual airline worldwide.
Notably, the top three global rankings were dominated by SkyTeam alliance members. Saudi flag carrier Saudia claimed the top spot, with Aeromexico following SAS in third place.
The challenging winter conditions, particularly for a Scandinavian carrier, make this achievement even more significant.
In March alone, SAS carried out over 2,000 de-icing procedures. It highlights the operational complexities the airline successfully navigated while maintaining its commitment to punctuality.
Positive Operational Trend Continues
The exceptional performance in March continues a positive trend that has been building momentum throughout 2024.
Over the past year, SAS has proactively implemented a series of company-wide initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency.
These initiatives have placed a strong emphasis on individual and team accountability. They fostered greater cross-functional collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall performance.
These dedicated efforts have consistently positioned SAS among Europe’s most punctual airlines. This included achieving the top ranking in both August and October 2024.
This sustained focus culminated in a top-three finish for SAS in Europe for the entire year of 2024. It also saw a commendable ninth-place ranking on the global stage.
Earlier this week, Cirium recognized SAS’s consistent efforts over time. It presented the airline with the award for 3rd Place in Europe for On-Time Performance in 2024.
Mike Malik, Chief Marketing Officer at Cirium, lauded SAS’s achievement. “SAS’ outstanding performance in March reflects a combination of operational excellence and robust winter preparedness.”
“Their ability to consistently deliver on-time service, even in the most challenging conditions, underscores their commitment to reliability and efficiency. This achievement places them among the best globally, with sustained focus on both customer satisfaction and sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, SAS plans build upon this strong foundation and further solidify its reputation for operational excellence.
“SAS is determined to build on this momentum, continuing to earn our passengers’ trust through reliable, on-time service,” affirmed Mr. van der Werff.
“Our goal is to be a leading airline known for operational excellence and the dedication of our people. Being punctual leads to a better experience for our customers and enables a more stable, efficient operation that supports everyone — including our crew. And as Scandinavia’s leading airline, this consistency is key to strengthening our position and driving the journey ahead.”
SAS’ recognition as Europe’s most punctual airline and the world’s second most punctual in March 2025 is testament to the carrier’s operational strategy, customer service, and sustainable practices.
This accomplishment, validated by the respected insights of Cirium, reinforces SAS’ position as a leading airline dedicated to providing reliable and efficient air travel.
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