Virgin Australia was named Australia’s most reliable domestic carrier in April 2024 by the country’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
According to the bureau’s report, the Virgin Australia network (Virgin Australia and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines combined operations) recorded 81.2% for on time arrivals while the Qantas network (Qantas and QantasLink combined operations) recorded 79%.
For departures, the Virgin Australia network recorded 82.1% for on time departures while the Qantas network recorded 79.9%.
Virgin’s record operating performance for April 2024 ends Qantas’ 19-month lead as Australia’s most reliable domestic carrier. It was Virgin Australia’s best result in two years for both on-time performance and cancellations and marks an improvement of 26.4 and 6%, respectively, since December 2023.
Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the group had been “intensely focused” on improving its performance while continuing to deliver “great value” and choice to Australian travelers.
“April 2024 marked a return to pre-COVID levels of on-time performance and cancellations for Virgin Australia. The post-COVID recovery has been challenging for the aviation industry but it is promising to see reliability and on-time performance improve across Australian airlines,” Hrdlicka said in a statement.
“We know that on any given day various factors including weather, air traffic control, unscheduled aircraft maintenance, and crew resources can impact airline operations. But our ability to manage these disruptions has improved, while at the same time we have focused on simplifying our growing operation,” Hrdlicka added.
Gold status match offer
To mark the airline’s stellar operating performance for the month, Virgin Australia announced it has launched a Discover Gold Status Match offer for up to 3,000 Velocity members who hold Gold, Platinum and above status from competing non-partner airline loyalty programs to make the switch to Virgin.
Velocity Discover Gold Status will allow frequent flyers to enjoy benefits for three months from complimentary lounge access at all major domestic airports, a higher checked baggage allowance (excludes Lite fares), and priority boarding and priority seating.
“We know how important punctuality is for travelers, and so we are pleased to make it easier for frequent flyers to try Velocity Discover Gold to enjoy the most sought after benefits of the program, including complimentary Lounge access, while enjoying our reliability and wonderful service,” Hrdlicka said.