Jetstar outperforms domestic rivals with the lowest cancellation rate, according to new data
As a low-cost carrier, Jetstar often suffers from the reputation of being anything but reliable.
But new data released this week has shown the airline actually outperformed its domestic rivals in the month of September when it comes to its cancellation rate.
According to the figures released by the Federal Government, Jetstar had a cancellation rate of just 1 per cent last month, which was the lowest of any major carrier.
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Jetstar had the lowest cancellation rate in September. Getty
Jetstar also recorded its best September on time departure rate in 10 years (outside of COVID) at 78.3 per cent.
"Customers turn to us for low fares, but they also want a reliable service – and time and time again, that's exactly what we're delivering," Jetstar's Chief Operating Officer, Matt Franzi said in a statement.
"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we will keep working hard to be the very best low-cost airline we can be."
Both Qantas and Jetstar topped the leader board in September for overall reliability and getting flights away on time, according to the BITRE data.
Qantas (Qantas and QantasLink) was the most punctual major domestic airline with 81.1 per cent of flights departing on time across the country.
The airline's cancellation rate fell to 2.8 per cent (down 0.3 percentage points from August).
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Across the board airlines had an average cancellation rate of 2 per cent. Getty
The Virgin Australia network (Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines combined operations) recorded 78 per cent for on time departures.
Virgin did have a better cancellation rate than Qantas, at 1.5 per cent.
The average cancellation rate across all airlines (including Rex, Hinterland, SmartLynx Australia) was 2 per cent in September, which is lower than the the long term average of 2.2 per cent.
A range of factors can affect reliability including poor weather, air traffic control delays, and airport security issues. September was also a busy travel period with school holidays and footy finals.
It comes after Virgin Australia took off on its first Pets in Cabin flight last week.
The airline has made Aussie aviation history by allowing small pets (weighing no more than 8kg) to travel in an approved-carrier in the cabin.
Virgin has capped each of their pet-friendly flights at a maximum of four pets, each in a designated seat.
