Air Canada Reports 'Best Operational Results In A Decade' Despite Tanking In On-Time Ranking

Air Canada says it had a strong operational performance for the year-end holiday travel period, despite falling short in a recent on-time performance ranking.

The airline reported on Monday that it had achieved "some of its best operational results in a decade," noting that it transported nearly 2.6 million customers and completed 98 percent of scheduled flights, with an on-time performance of 70 percent.

The news comes after Air Canada ranked low in an on-time performance report for 2023 that saw the airline come last among major carriers in North America.

In a news release issued on January 8, Air Canada laid out its operational highlights from the holiday travel season, which it says occurred between December 18, 2023, and January 6, 2024.

During this time, the airline says it transported about 10 percent more customers than in the same holiday period in 2022, and had an on-time performance of 70 percent, which is measured by "the industry standard of arrival within 15 minutes of scheduled time."

"This is a dramatic increase from 40 per cent in 2022, when severe winter weather disrupted travel, and well above the last pre-pandemic holiday period in 2019, when OTP was 54 per cent," says Air Canada.

Average delays were 37 minutes long, according to the airline, a notable drop from 2022. An 80 percent reduction in flight cancellations was also recorded compared to the same time in 2022.

"For the period, excluding the peak pandemic year of 2020, Air Canada achieved its best results in a decade for flight arrivals within 15 minutes, flight completion, fewest cancelled flights, and for baggage delivery," the release states.

Air Canada ranked last for on-time flights in North America

The highlights come after Air Canada was named the worst airline for on-time performance in North America out of 10 major carriers, with aviation analytics site Cirium reporting that just 63% of Air Canada's flights in 2023 arrived on time.

The airline fell far behind the top North American carrier, Delta, which saw 84.72% of its flights arrive on time in 2023.

People are calling the airline out

Reactions to Air Canada's operational highlights on X, formerly known as Twitter, included many calling out the airline for delays and cancellations.

"I wonder how many of those are dissatisfied customers... Air Canada is a horrible airline," wrote one user.

"And how about that on time record? Worst of ten major North American airlines," wrote another.

"This is hilarious considering I've had two flights cancelled, seven delays, and luggage that still hasn't arrived to my hotel after 16 hours. [Air Canada] stop kidding yourself and do better," wrote one person on X.

In a statement to Narcity, Air Canada said its results in the recent on-time performance report "reflect the challenges through the year that affected carriers in Canada," but said that their operations have been "consistently improving."

"Our focus remains on further raising [on-time performance] this year," the airline said.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.