PAL, CebuPac Flight On-Time Performance Continue Upward Rally

Philippine-based airline operators Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific have continued to register higher flight on-time performance (OTP), following initiatives launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies to improve the country’s aviation and airport service.

Captain Stanley K. Ng, PAL Senior VP for Airline Operations, reported that the flag carrier was able to achieve an all-time high OTP rating of 92% in October, and consistent monthly OTPs of 80%, 82% and 89% for the months of July to September, respectively.

“This achievement was made possible because the DOTr, MIAA and CAAP acted with determination to build rapid exit taxiways at NAIA, enhance air navigation systems, renovate runways and taxiways, improve the coordination of airport slots and take other initiatives to promote a more efficient Philippine aviation industry,” said Ng.

Meanwhile, data from the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) showed that Cebu Pacific posted an OTP of 84.71% for its October flights, an improvement from 80.66% in September.

“The improved OTP is a result of the close cooperation and coordination with concerned government agencies to minimize delays across our network. The industry is also better coordinated so that when there are weather disruptions, such as lightning alerts that close the airfield, we are able to minimize the impact,” said Michael Ivan Shau, Cebu Pacific Chief Operations Officer.

OTP is one of the measures of aviation and airport efficiency. It indicates the percentage of flight departures and arrivals that take place within 15 minutes from schedule, including cancellations.

In June, PAL and Cebu Pacific, along with three other Philippine-based airline operators, signed a pledge of commitment to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through improved on-time flight performance, support the development of other gateways including Sangley Airport in Cavite, and improve the travel experience of air passengers.

Additionally, airline OTP is published daily, as directed for by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, to push for improved performance and promote the airlines’ accountability to the air-riding public.

Meanwhile, PAL credits the DOTr for taking decisive action to upgrade the country’s aviation infrastructure and systems with the aim of reducing congestion at key airports and navigational airways, leading to a more efficient air transport system nationwide.

“We congratulate the DOTr and the aviation authorities for pro-actively translating the President’s Build, Build, Build directive into simultaneous action over the past two years, thus allowing airlines to operate more efficiently and register positive improvements in on-time performance,” said PAL President Gilbert Santa Maria.

“As a result of these actions, combined with the efforts of airlines to improve fleet management and turn around aircraft more efficiently, departure delays at the NAIA have seen significant reductions. This makes air travel more convenient and stress-free for the traveling public, and in particular for our PAL passengers because PAL operates the largest international airline hub at the NAIA,” Santa Maria added.

According to the Air Carriers’ Association of the Philippines (ACAP), in addition to PAL’s high on-time flight records, the combined OTP of several Philippine air carriers has likewise increased to 78% in the July to September period of 2019, as compared to the 65% and 62% ratings, respectively, for the first two quarters of 2019.

Secretary Tugade commended the airlines for their improved OTPs, as he encouraged them to further enhance air passenger comfort and experience.

“I am happy that months after we signed the Pledge of Commitment, we continue to see improvements in OTP across the industry. I hope these efforts are sustained to make air travel in the Philippines more efficient and comfortable,” Secretary Tugade said. (DOTR PR)