Fiji Airways and Pacific Sun Report On-Time Performance for November 2013

Fiji Airways, Fiji national airline, and Pacific Sun, its regional and domestic subsidiary, today reported their on-time performance (OTP) results for November 2013.

Both airline reported lower OTP results for the month due to a variety of aircraft mechanical and weather-related issues

Fiji Airways reported an on-time performance of 77.5% for November, compared to 88.3% in October and 89% in September.

Key delay factors included mechanical issues with two of its B737 aircraft and inclement weather, which delayed fuelling and loading operations especially in Nadi.

Pacific Sun reported an on-time performance of 88% in November, compared to 93.4% in October and 94.6% in September. Key delay factors included scheduled work maintenance on one of its ATR 42 aircraft as well as inclement weather conditions in Nadi and Suva

Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO commented: “As we enter now the cyclone season in Fiji, our OTP will be affected by the weather conditions in Nadi and in Suva. We therefore will expect a slightly lower on time performance for both of our airlines until April 2014. The result is still short of the high standards we have set for ourselves. However, we do not compromise on safety, so we don’t fly unless we’re absolutely sure that we match or exceed international safety and security standards. In cases of aircraft mechanical issues, it is obviously only right that we wait until the aircraft can be returned safely to service.”

“We do understand and share the frustrations when disruptions happen, and we’re continuing our single-minded focus on operational excellence in the months ahead.”

The on-time performance for both airlines is available on the Fiji Airways website: /about-fiji-airways/on-time-performance/

OTP is a global airline industry benchmark which measures aircraft flight departures as being on time if they depart from the gate within 15 minutes of the airline’s scheduled departure time.

Most airlines worldwide regard OTP at or above 80% as exceptional.