This week, Iberia Express was honoured by the global aviation analysis consultancy Cirium, receiving the prestigious award for being the most punctual airline in Europe in 2023. The award ceremony took place at Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport, where notable figures such as Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, Director General of Planning, Training and Tourism Promotion of the Government of the Canary Islands; Francisco Javier Osmán, Director of Tenerife Norte Airport; Mike Malik, Marketing Director of Cirium; and Carlos Gómez, CEO of Iberia Express, were in attendance.
With an impressive arrival punctuality rate of 84.58% last year, Iberia Express also secured the fifth position as the most punctual low-cost airline globally, according to Cirium’s renowned On-time Performance Report. Additionally, within the Canary Islands, the airline operated nearly 16,000 flights in 2023, boasting a departure punctuality rate of 88.83%.
Carlos Gómez, CEO of Iberia Express, expressed his pride in the achievement, highlighting the dedication and commitment of the entire team. He stated, “At Iberia Express, we strive to maintain high standards of efficiency and excellence in our operations to provide the best experience for our customers on every flight.”
To commemorate this accolade, an Iberia Express aircraft has been branded with the Cirium punctuality seal, which will be displayed throughout 2024. The chosen aircraft, prominently featured during the event, will also bear the name “Canary Islands” in tribute to this pivotal market for the company.
Gómez emphasized the significant role of the Canary Islands for the airline, underscoring its position as the most crucial market. “In 2023, we exceeded 2.8 million passengers with the archipelago for the first time, and we are close to reaching 20 million customers in the 12 years since we began operations in the region. The Canary Islands account for approximately 40% of our production, and we are proud to receive and celebrate this prestigious award here,” he stated.
During the event, Iberia was also recognized as the second most punctual airline in Europe and the fifth globally, with 84.38% of flights arriving on time out of a total of 170,750 flights.
Furthermore, Gonzalo Salinas, Director of Iberia’s Operations Control Centre, expressed pride in the consistent punctuality achievements, emphasizing the collective effort involved in ensuring timely operations.
Iberia Express reinforces its commitment to the Canary Islands
In 2023, Iberia Express significantly increased its operations to the Canary Islands by almost 12% compared to 2022, offering approximately 16,000 flights to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Palma. The airline has also bolstered its services during peak demand periods such as Carnival, Easter, and Christmas to facilitate travel for both tourists and residents.
Looking ahead, Iberia Express plans to further expand its operations to all the islands during the summer season of 2024, with an increase to over 2 million seats and exceeding 800,000 seats in Tenerife alone.
Moreover, the airline offers convenient connecting flights to more than 100 international destinations within the Iberia Group. In 2023, over 22% of Iberia Express customers on flights to the Canary Islands availed themselves of connecting flights to various cities in Europe, Latin America, and the USA.
Iberia Express: Eight years on top of the punctuality podium
Punctuality has been a cornerstone of Iberia Express since its inception in March 2012. Over the years, the airline has maintained exceptional operational standards, earning recognition as the most punctual low-cost airline globally for five consecutive years between 2014 and 2018. Additionally, it has been the most punctual low-cost airline in Europe in 2019 and 2022, and in 2023, it clinched the title of the most punctual airline in Europe.
As part of the Iberia Group, Iberia Express operates as the leading low-cost carrier at Madrid airport, as well as on routes to the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands. With a fleet of 25 highly efficient aircraft, the airline offers short and medium-haul routes, complementing Iberia’s long-haul network while also competing effectively in the low-cost segment.
Furthermore, Iberia Express has developed a hybrid business model that includes connecting flights and Business service on all its aircraft. Its consistent punctuality performance underscores its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
