CEBU PACIFIC, Cebgo, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express and Air Asia Philippines had a running average on-time performance (OTP) of 83% in September on flights to and from Metro Manila’s main gateway, the highest in 2019, according to the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) and the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

“In a report to the Department of Transportation (DoTr), ACAP-member carriers reported an average 83% OTP for flights at NAIA in September 2019,” both DoTr and ACAP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The two organizations noted that last month’s OTP was “up seven percentage points versus the OTP rates posted in July and August 2019.”

“The last time OTP was at this level was in September 2018 at 85%,” they said.

OTP in the three months to September was 78%, up from 65% and 62% in the first and second quarters respectively, they said.

“This brings OTP in NAIA at 68% from January to September 2019,” it added.

“We thank the airlines for their cooperation and for making changes in their respective operations to enhance the travel experience of airport users. While we catch-up and expedite aviation infrastructure projects, I hope we continue the solidarity and hard work to try to provide some measure of comfort and convenience to our air passengers,” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade was quoted as saying.

Both organizations said the improvements came after the ACAP-member airlines signed the pledge in June, signifying their support for improving the air sector’s performance and aid in the decongestion of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). — Arjay L. Balinbin

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