PAL, Cebu Pacific cited for improved on-time performance

MANILA -- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal on Friday commended the improved on-time performance (OTP) of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB).

“I laud the airline operators for doing their part to give Filipinos a comfortable life through improved on-time flight performance. We shall continue in this direction as we work on a number of solutions to decongest the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)," he said in a statement.

On Friday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) noted the improved OTP of PAL and CEB, saying the upward trend was noticeable two weeks after they signed a pledge of commitment to support NAIA's decongestion, develop Sangley Airport, and improve passenger convenience.

PAL, CEB and AirAsia Philippines signed this pledge last June 26 in Manila which was witnessed by aviation officials and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

MIAA has been publishing a daily record of lowest and highest OTPs of airlines since mid-May.

From an average of below 60 percent OTP in April, PAL's average OTP in June was nearly 80 percent. For the first few days of July, PAL's average OTP is 82 percent.

CEB, meanwhile, had below 60 percent OTP in June. For the first week of July, its OTP has improved to an average of 77 percent, reaching 80 percent at peak days.

The OTP is being measured by the number of departures and arrivals that take place in less than 15 minutes after scheduled departure and arrival times, including cancellations.

For his part, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he hopes these figures would be increased and that more airlines would follow suit. (PNA)