Estonian Air among the most punctual air carriers in Europe

Estonian Air is among the most punctual air carriers in Europe. Last year the 15-minute punctuality was 90.3%, which is about 5 percentage points (4.8) higher y-o-y.

The regularity of Estonian Air was 98.5%, which stayed more or less on the same level y-o-y (0.5 percentage points lower y-o-y). The punctuality and regularity of Estonian Air Boeing operations were 91.2% and 99.6% respectively.

For comparison, the averages of punctuality and regularity of AEA (Association of European Airlines) members, unifying the major 36 European airlines, during the period November 2008 to March 2009:
- the punctuality of AEA members on average was 83.2%, which shows that in average 83.2 out of every 100 flights departed on time (within 15 minutes of schedule).
- the regularity of AEA members on average was 98.1%, which shows that in average airlines cancelled 1.9 out of every 100 flights.

AEA is publishing its members’ punctuality and other data, and ranks them by results. For example, the most punctual air carrier is Tarom Romanian Airlines (92.4%), followed by Luxair (91.9%) and Icelandair (90.2%).

Comparing Estonian Air and AEA members’ results on the punctuality, will place Estonian national air carrier on the third place (90.3%).

Additional information for Editor

While weather or technical problems are the most common reasons for flight cancellations, then the main reason for delays is aircraft rotation. In other words, if the aircraft is late from one flight, the next flight is automatically delayed.

Main reasons for aircraft rotation are: restrictions in air traffic (aircraft can’t get permission for takeoff or landing), restrictions by airport or government, reconstruction works at airport, long distance between the terminal and aircraft parking lot; delays in completing baggage or passenger handling etc.