Well, this is awkward for Qantas. It’s discount arm, Jetstar, has out-performed it in the latest on-time performance statistics for cancelled flights.
According to Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and the Arts (who put that lot together?) Qantas recorded the highest percentage of cancellations at 4.3 per cent, followed by Jetstar and Virgin, both at 4.1 per cent, QantasLink on 3.6 per cent, Virgin Regional on 3.2 per cent and your safest bet to get in the air is Rex, with only 2.3 per cent rate of cancellations.
Overall, the average on-time arrivals and departures for all Australian domestic airlines was 71.1 per cent.
The figure is up slightly from the previous month. September recorded 69.3 per cent on time for arrivals and 68.5 per cent on time for departures.
However, that’s significantly lower than the long-term figures. Australian domestic average is 81.2 per cent on time for arrivals and 82.3 for departures.
On time
Qantas scored a bit better for on-time departures for the month. The major carrier recorded that 72.7 per cent of flights left on time. Next best was Virgin on 68.9 per cent.
I don’t know about you, but if I could only perform 72 per cent of my job properly, I’d be out of work.
And it appears Alan Joyce’s financially rewarding time at Qantas is not over, with the announcement that he is in line for another $6.1 million bonus despite resigning in September.
Mr Joyce was paid $21.4 million last year and is estimated to have earned an astonishing $125 million during his time with Qantas.
That’s a lot of money to essentially trash a treasured national brand.
This year the Qantas board, which is responsible for setting executive pay – that’s right, it’s own pay – agreed to cut short-term incentives by 20 per cent.
Executive bonuses
According to The Guardian, a component of executive bonus calculations tied to customer satisfaction was also wound down to zero.
Was that such a hardship though? There can’t be much customer satisfaction at Qantas.
At least they have acknowledged that.
Chairman Richard Goyder said in a statement that the airline had some work ahead to regain the confidence of its customer base.
“The company is experiencing an acute loss of trust from the community, and accumulated disappointment from customers, which the board and management are determined to fix,” he said.
However, he spoilt it a bit by going on to say “much of the loss of trust stems from allegations by the ACCC”.
Oh no Mr Goyder, consumers didn’t need to wait until the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission got involved, we knew Qantas was being run into the ground long before then.
Which airline do you prefer to fly with? Why not share your opinion in the comments section below?
Also read: How will airlines accommodate an increasing number of wider passengers?