Airlines improve on-time performance

New figures show that U.S. airlines are improving their service to passengers with an increase in the on-time arrival rate in April.

The latest data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics show that about 77.7 percent of flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, an increase from 75.7 percent a year earlier.

The figures will be welcomed by passengers who suffered the worst on-time arrival rate since 1995 during March.

Speaking to Bloomberg, David Stempler, President of the Air Travelers Association passenger advocacy group, said: "As airlines keep reducing the number of flights due to the rising price of oil, this summer may not be as bad as many were predicting.

"Let's hope this is a sign that congestion will be eased."

Of the U.S. airlines, Hawaiian Airlines had the highest on-time rate, at 90.5 percent. This was followed by SkyWest Airlines with an on-time arrival rate of 84 percent and Southwest Airlines which achieved 83.3 percent.

The worst performer was American Airlines with an on-time arrival rate of just 65.3 percent. United Airlines managed to get 72.8 percent of flights to arrive on time while Mesa Airlines had a figure of 73.2 percent.

The most delayed flight was American Airlines Flight 1555 from Miami to San Juan, which was late 96.67 percent of the time.

© Adfero Ltd