We
agree with the report’s findings on improved airline operations.
The nation’s carriers achieved the best year for on-time arrivals
since 2003, a record-high success rate of 99.97 percent for baggage
handling, the lowest cancellation rate since 2002 and reduced tarmac
delays. According to data from the Department of Transportation, U.S.
airlines had the best year ever for baggage performance with 997 of
every 1,000 passengers having their bags properly handled. In
addition, 81.85 percent of U.S. airline flights arrived on time –
the third best year on record and the highest since 2003. The flight
cancellation rate of 1.29 percent was the lowest since 2002 and
tarmac delays were also down on a year-over-year basis.
“Flying
remains the safest mode of transportation and airlines have shown
stellar on time and baggage handling performance, during a time when
airfares remain an unmatched bargain,” said A4A Vice President and
Chief Economist John Heimlich. “Airlines continue to provide
affordable[1] fares and reliable on time service, despite record high
jet fuel prices, which have led to a nearly five percent increase in
2012 operating expenses[2].”
“According
to Transportation Security Administration data, the number of checked
bags per passenger actually increased slightly from a year ago, yet
airline bag-handling continued to improve, in large part due to
airline enhancements in baggage systems, vehicles, software and
enhanced training,” Heimlich continued. “Despite the increased
expenses, in 2012, U.S. airlines reinvested more than $9 billion[3]
to further enhance the customer experience through new aircraft,
onboard amenities, baggage processing improvements and facilities.”
Airlines’
improved performance could be further enhanced, with a National
Airline Policy in place to address the high taxes, growing fuel
prices, unnecessary regulations and an outdated air traffic control
system.
