Virgin Australia has marked its position as the leading major airline in Australia for on-time performance (OTP) and flight completion in January 2025.
The result is according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
This result was achieved during the busy summer holiday period, underscoring the airline’s current focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
January Performance
January’s BITRE report reveals that Virgin Australia achieved a remarkable 99.2% flight completion rate for domestic services. This figure surpasses the long-term average for Australian domestic carriers, which stands at 97.8%.
Furthermore, the airline’s departure OTP reached 78%, placing it well ahead of its primary competitors and closing in on the long-term average of 80.7%.
Stuart Aggs, Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, attributes this success to the airline’s focus on “SPOT – safely performing on time.”
He emphasizes the importance of reliability, especially during peak travel periods when passengers are eager to connect with loved ones. “It is a responsibility our team takes very seriously, so it is great their hard work is paying off,” Aggs stated.
The airline’s consistent performance extended beyond on-time departures, with Virgin Australia maintaining exceptionally high completion rates. It saw over 99% of scheduled domestic flights operating successfully in both December and January.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the weather-related challenges posed by summer storms.
Strategies to Mitigate Disruptions
To mitigate disruptions and ensure smooth operations, Virgin Australia implemented several proactive measures. These included deploying additional standby aircraft and increasing the number of reserve team members.
These strategies allowed the airline to effectively manage unforeseen issues and minimize the impact on passengers’ travel plans.
“A range of measures, including additional aircraft on standby and more team members rostered on reserve, have helped us manage inevitable disruption as it arises. This minimises the impact on our schedule and our guests’ travel plans,” Aggs explained.
Coping with Summer Travel Surge
The holiday season saw an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers, with over 3.8 million people flying with Virgin Australia in December and January. This surge represents one of the busiest periods in the airline’s history.
Adding to the complexity of the period was Virgin Australia’s commitment to assisting passengers affected by Rex Airlines’ suspension of jet operations in July 2024.
The airline offered free re-accommodation to Rex customers, rebooking over 135,000 individuals, with over 130,000 having already completed their travel. This initiative highlights Virgin Australia’s dedication to supporting passengers during challenging circumstances.
Momentum Continues in February
The positive momentum has continued into February, with departure OTP reaching approximately 80% for the month to date. This consistent performance is particularly beneficial for corporate and SME customers who are resuming travel after the summer break.
Virgin Australia’s dominance in flight completion rates is not a recent phenomenon. The airline has outperformed its major competitor for the past 12 consecutive months. The December and January results mark a two-year high for the carrier.
Conclusion
In summary, Virgin Australia’s exceptional performance in OTP and flight completion rates reflects its current focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
The airline prioritized reliability and implemented proactive measures to manage disruptions. The measures have clearly paid off, as evidenced during a peak travel period.
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