A flight can make or break a holiday – literally – especially those that have tours and connections timed right down to the second.
While deals or onboard luxurious are key drivers when it comes to travellers selecting an airline, those that are looking to get somewhere quickly and on-time may want to look at carriers that fall under the ‘dependable’ category.
Travel site, WanderBat teamed up with CBS MoneyWatch to find out exactly which airlines are not only getting their passengers to the destination on-time, but also offer low costs to check bags and have a younger average age for its fleet.
Australia’s very own Qantas made the top 20 of the world’s most dependable airline, landing at number 18.
The study found Qantas has an on-time percentage rate of 80.1 percent and an average age fleet of 9.4 years.
UAE’s award-winning Etihad was ranked at number 15 despite having an on-time average rate of only 57.9 percent.
Surprisingly, the list of top 20 didn’t include many US airlines – Southwest was the only one to make the list and ranked at number 17.
Check out the list below for the list of top 10 dependable airlines in the world.
10. Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong carrier scored an on-time performance average of 69 percent and has an average fleet age of 8.6 years.
9. Saudi Airlines
It lesser-known Middle Eastern airline did surprisingly well with on-time performance of 87.1 percent and an average fleet age of 10.1 years.
8. British Airways
Cost-cutting from the airline’s parent company, International Airlines Group, hasn’t disrupted operations at the airline as it managed to achieve a 70.8 percent on-time rate with an average-aged fleet of 12.5 years.
7. Air China
While the Chinese airline only has an on-time performance rate of 69.6 percent, it’s average fleet age of six years helped it land the seventh spot.
6. Ethiopian Airlines
With a young fleet of an average of seven years the African airline has managed to obtain an on-time performance rate of 71 percent.
5. China Southern Airlines
Another Chinese airline made the list, as 68.6 percent of China Southern’s flights operate on-time in aircraft around 6.4 years old.
4. Singapore Airlines
Recognised for its hospitality, onboard experience and now its dependability.
Singapore Airlines landed fourth place for an on-time percentage of 82.7 and an average fleet of 7.4 years.
3. China Eastern
China’s airlines have really stepped up their game, with a third carrier making the top ten dependable airlines in the world.
China Eastern landed in third place for an on-time percentage of 62.4 and an average fleet age of 6.3 years.
2. Emirates
The UAE carrier just missed out on the number one spot, but is still highly regarded for being the world’s second most dependable airline.
Emirates is reported to have an on-time performance of 73.9 percent and an average fleet age of 6.3 years.
1. Qatar Airways
The carrier’s recent investment in new aircraft and travel experiences is paying off.
According to the study, Qatar has an on-time percentage of 82.8 percent. It’s average fleet age is sitting at 5.5 years.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker described the airline as a leader in world aviation with ‘unmatched’ dependability, comfort and hospitality.
Click here for the full list of 22 most dependable airlines in the world.