More than 80% of flights operated by Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa arrived on time at the airline’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs this year, Lufthansa said on Thursday, reporting its best punctuality rate in 10 years.
“Even though only the first half of the year is over, we’re flying as steadily and punctually as we have in 10 years,” said Lufthansa Airlines chief operating officer Klaus Froese.
Lufthansa continues to face challenges however, he said, noting that it was not always up to the airline to ensure punctuality.
An increasing number of drone sightings and storms are hampering operations, according to Froese, while a lack of technical equipment and air traffic controllers abroad sometimes lead to delays.
Lufthansa also expects air traffic to increase in the coming year, which the company believes will bring further challenges.
Nevertheless, the airline is aiming to establish itself as a top player among European carriers when it comes to punctuality, Froese said.
Lufthansa has repeatedly experienced operational problems, as the carrier continues to suffer from a shortage of new aircraft due to delayed deliveries from both Boeing and Airbus.
Lufthansa has said it is preparing intensely for the peak summer season, including more generous transfer times for passengers and longer ground times for aircraft to allow more time for refueling, loading and unloading, and to streamline processes overall.
Lufthansa Airlines, the core company of the Lufthansa Group, which also owns other European carries like Brussels Airlines, SWISS and Eurowings, is investing €200 million ($231.5 million) in its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich to ensure smooth operations and improve service.