Flybe named one of the most reliable airlines

LOW-COST airline Flybe has been named as one of the most reliable in the world in an influential table – the only UK carrier to do so.

Flybe, which operates services out of Birmingham and Manchester, beat off competition from major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Continental, Air Canada and Iberia to feature in the Forbes’ magazine’s 2009 World’s Most On-Time Airlines list.

The table is based on data compiled for Flightstats 2009 Year-End Report on Airport and Airline Arrival Performance.

The 2009 Global Major Carrier Arrival Performance Report ranks global carriers across US airports and 48 other hubs around the world.

Airlines flying over 110,000 flights a year are sorted by on-time arrival percentage in descending order.

Flybe, based on an operating sample of 128,360 flights, ranked number 10 in the report with an 83% overall on-time performance, well ahead of the next UK airline – British Airways – which was placed 22nd.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received such high profile and influential recognition of the position we have reached on the global aviation stage, especially in such a key category.

“To have reached the Top 10 for on-time performance in the Major Carrier category is a prestigious achievement of which every single person at Flybe can be extremely proud.”

Flybe is one of Europe’s largest and most successful regional airlines with 198 routes serving 13 countries and operating from 70 departure points – 38 in the UK and 32 in Europe.

It is also the UK’s number one domestic carrier, flying more domestic passengers than any other airline.