Canada's Major Airlines Lag Behind in North America for On-Time Arrivals
Canadian Airlines Lag Behind in On-Time Performance
Canada's two largest airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, have fallen behind their North American counterparts in on-time performance, according to a recent report by aviation data company Cirium. In October 2023, Air Canada ranked ninth out of ten major North American carriers for on-time arrivals, with only 72% of its flights arriving on time. WestJet fared even worse, ranking last with a dismal 71% on-time arrival rate.
This disappointing performance comes at a time when the airline industry is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff shortages, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand have all contributed to a surge in flight cancellations and delays. However, Canadian airlines appear to be bearing the brunt of these challenges.
Air Canada and WestJet have cited a number of factors contributing to their poor on-time performance, including a shortage of air traffic controllers, bad weather, and a network running at full tilt amid high demand. They have also acknowledged that they are not meeting their own expectations for on-time performance.
The airlines have pledged to take steps to improve their on-time performance, including hiring more staff, investing in new technology, and streamlining their operations. However, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to close the gap with their North American rivals.
In the meantime, passengers flying with Air Canada or WestJet should be prepared for delays and cancellations. They should also check with their airline for the latest information on flight status.
Here are some tips for avoiding delays and cancellations when flying with Air Canada or WestJet:
Book your flights early.
Check your flight status regularly before and during your trip.
Be prepared for long delays and cancellations.
Consider flying with a different airline.