2008 worst year for Aussie flyers
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A quarter of all Australian domestic flights did not arrive as scheduled last year, making it the country’s worst ever year for airline punctuality, The Age has reported.
Figures from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics show that flight reliability from January to November 2008 was at its worst since records began five years ago.
According to the report, one flight in 50 was cancelled and 23% of all services arrived late. This compares with cancellations of one in 100 flights and 17% of services late for the same period in 2007, previously the worst year on record, the Bureau’s figures showed.
Qantas blamed industrial action for the poor performance. A spokesperson for the airline was reported saying that its service reliability was the best in the industry before aircraft engineers went on strike for over two months in May. Infrastructure limitations at some airports were also said to have affected performance. Meanwhile a Virgin Blue spokesperson was reported saying that unpredictable weather, air traffic controller shortages and congestion at Sydney Airport had all contributed to a “frustrating” year.
The worst-performing route for punctuality was between Melbourne and Sydney, Australia’s busiest route, The Age said.
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