American Airlines enjoyed a 58% on-time rate in September.  The sound and fury of very angry pilots and an operation not coping well.  To put things in perspective, United Airlines experienced an 82% on time rate and Delta had a 89.7% on time rate.

US Airways, AA’s suitor for a merger, managed an 87% on time rate and was the 2nd best CONUS legacy airline behind Delta.  Southwest Airlines was right behind US Airways at 86.5% and was tied with another airline for that position:

American Eagle.

Yes, American Eagle managed an 87.5% on-time rate.  A regional jet operation that traditionally doesn’t do as well as its mainline partner ran absolutely great ops for September.

I have a suggestion for US Airways if they manage to strike a deal with AA:  Get Dan Garton back from American Eagle quick.  Garton is one of those rare AA executives who manages to outperform and yet never quite get the respect for his achievements.  He’s done very well at American Eagle and did very well at AA before getting shoved aside in favor of Tom Horton as heir apparent.  I like Garton and I like the way he communicates to American Eagle employees.

Filed under: Airline Service by ajax