Aeroméxico, AICM Lead 2024 Global Punctuality Ranking Cirium

Aeroméxico has been named the most punctual airline worldwide in 2024, according to Cirium aviation analytics firm. With an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 86.7%, Aeroméxico surpassed Saudia (86.35%) and Delta Airlines (83.46%) to secure the top position. This marks a 9.17% improvement from its 2023 OTP of 77.53%.

“It is a significant operational milestone,” said Mike Malik, Marketing Director, Cirium. He also attributed the success to strategic investments in information technology and operational expertise brought by leadership figures like Diego Santiago, Aeroméxico’s Operations Director, former Avianca executive.

Jeremy Bowen, Cirium CEO, addressed the operational challenges faced by airlines in 2024, including cybersecurity threats and unprecedented weather anomalies. "Despite these obstacles, the industry's adaptability and commitment to operational efficiency have been remarkable," he stated during a virtual press conference.

The global OTP ranking evaluated data from over 600 sources and processed more than 25 million daily updates. LATAM Airlines (82.89%) and Qatar Airways (82.83%) were among the Top 5, followed by Azul Airlines (82.42%). In the Latin American category, Copa Airlines led with an OTP of 88.22%, outperforming Aeroméxico. Malik clarified that Copa does not qualify as a global airline due to its limited operations across continents. However, it has maintained its leadership in Latin America for a decade. Other regional performers included Caribbean Airlines (85.47%) and Gol Linhas Aéreas (84.09%). Avianca, which topped the 2023 global ranking, dropped to 7th place globally with an OTP of 81.80%.

Additionally, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) was ranked the third most punctual airport globally, with an OTP of 84.04%, following King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (86.58%) and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima (84.57%). "Behind every successful airline is a well-managed airport, and vice versa," stated Malik. He credited AICM’s improved punctuality to reduced hourly flight limits and oversight by Mexico’s Navy, which eliminated unauthorized flights and enhanced operational monitoring.

Delta Airlines emerged as North America's punctuality leader with an OTP of 83.46%, followed by United Airlines (80.93%) and Alaska Airlines (79.25%). In the Middle East and Asia, Safair led with a remarkable OTP of 93.82%, while Oman Air (90.27%) and Royal Air Jordanian (87.02%) followed. Japan Airlines (80.90%) topped the Asia-Pacific region.