Why budget airlines are outperforming major carriers in reliability

Budget airlines have emerged as the leaders in punctuality and reliability, surpassing the country’s major legacy carriers.

According to recent data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), Bonza and Jetstar have outperformed Virgin Australia and Qantas in terms of on-time performance and cancellation rates for the month of February.

Bonza, a relatively new player in the aviation industry, achieved the highest on-time arrivals and departures, boasting an impressive 81.7% rate.

Meanwhile, Jetstar, operating a significantly higher number of flights, followed closely behind with a 76.1% on-time arrival rate.

Flight cancellations reach record highs

One of the key factors contributing to the success of budget airlines like Jetstar is the utilisation of newer aircraft, along with the recruitment of additional frontline staff.

Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson.

Streamlined operations

By streamlining check-in and boarding processes, Jetstar has been able to improve its punctuality and reliability, much to the satisfaction of its customers.

Similarly, Bonza has attributed its consistent performance to a dedicated team and strategic partnerships.

With a focus on delivering a quality experience at affordable prices, Bonza has maintained its position at the top of on-time arrivals for six out of the last seven months.

In contrast, major carriers like Qantas have faced challenges in maintaining their schedules, particularly due to industrial action and strikes affecting operations in Western Australia.

Despite these setbacks, Qantas remains optimistic about its trajectory, with efforts underway to enhance reliability and restore pre-pandemic performance levels.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the success of budget airlines underscores the importance of efficiency and customer satisfaction in driving competitiveness.