| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 47 |
| Copyright: Other |
Airline strategy by Linsey McNeill
Charters keep delays in check
Carriers ensure they are prepared for flight troubles
Carriers ensure they are prepared for flight troubles
SUMMER 2000 got off to a disastrous start for charter airlines following a temporary breakdown in the national air-traffic control system, which caused lengthy delays to UK flights, especially from Gatwick and Heathrow.Although there is nothing airlines can do to prevent such delays, punctuality has become a matter of pride for charters, who are quick to point out that their records are generally no worse than those of scheduled carriers.
Nevertheless, several charter airlines have made it a priority this year to improve their timing. Air 2000 – which came only eighth in the Air Transport Users’ Council’s league table for on-time performance last year, with an average delay of 33mins – has put two aircraft on standby at Manchester for the first time this summer.
The two aircraft will both operate only a small number of flights, so that one is always available as a cover.
Airtours International, which currently has one standby aircraft, said it was building its fleet to provide more later in the season. Director of flight operations Steve Solomon refused to say exactly when these would be available but claimed the airline had added a number of other initiatives.
“We remain committed to improving our service, and the initiatives we have taken have already proved effective,” said Solomon.
While the airline deemed information on these initiatives as “commercially sensitive”, it claimed that as a result, it was the most punctual airline at Gatwick in May, ahead of Britannia and British Airways.
An Airtours International spokeswoman claimed BAA’s statistics for the month showed the airline’s 243 flights during the month were delayed an average 13.9mins.
JMC Airlines claimed that as its two Gatwick-based DC-10s operate only a limited number of flights, at least one would almost always be on standby this summer. The airline said that on the rare occasions that both DC-10s were flying, it should be able to deploy one of its A320s.
Britannia, which came top of the AUC’s league table last summer, claimed it had put a number of initiatives in place to make sure it remained in pole position.
Clients booking charters should be warned that airlines and operators offer little, if any, compensation for delays. Generally, the most they can expect is a meal and overnight stay if necessary (see panel).
Insurers do offer small financial compensation for delayed passengers but this doesn’t usually kick in for at least 12hrs.
Waiting game: many carriers are aiming to combat hold-ups head on