"Airlines improve on-time rates"

Friday, October 4, 2002

Airlines improve on-time rates 
The Billings (MT) Gazette


It may be the lone bright spot at the airport these days: After harried
passengers navigate security checkpoints, remove shoes for inspection
and hand over toenail clippers, airplanes are more likely to actually be
at the gate, ready to take off. 

In addition, travelers are less likely to have their baggage lost, are
being bumped from flights less frequently and are lodging fewer
complaints overall against the airlines, according to federal
transportation statistics. 

Airline analysts credit much of these improvements to the fact that most
air carriers have cut their schedules back this year. Fewer flights
means air traffic runs more smoothly, fewer bags are tossed onto the
wrong planes and reservations, ticketing and boarding is less likely to
be fouled up. 

In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration upgraded and
streamlined the air traffic system to keep airplanes moving after
gridlock sparked an epidemic of delays in 2000. 

However, several airlines, including American, Delta and United, say
they have also used a variety of initiatives, ranging from automated
check-in to better communications, to reduce delays and other travel
snafus. 

"There has been an ongoing focus on getting those planes out on time,"
said Joe Hopkins, a spokesman for United, which posted the fewest delays
in the history of the airline in September. "We understand that it's
very important." 

The improvement at American, in particular, has been significant. After
several years of being among the worst in the industry, the carrier's
on-time performance has risen above the middle, and for a few months,
near the top of the pack this year. 

"Running an on-time airline ... gives us credibility and respect, and
another reason to hold our heads up high even when stock market jitters
play havoc with our stock price," Don Carty, American's chairman and
chief executive, crowed in a recent message to employees. 

For example, in September, nearly 90 percent of American's planes
arrived on time. Compare that to 2000, when just 73 percent of
American's flights, on average, landed on time. American was beaten by
Continental, Northwest, TWA, Delta and Southwest that year. 

The improvements "are a big deal, and people notice," said Kevin
Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, an industry group
that represents corporate travel departments and business travelers.
"You have increased confidence today going through an airport knowing
your plane is going to be there and will leave on time."


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