Ryanair tops punctuality list

Ryanair has topped a list for airline punctuality drawn up by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the first quarter of 2004.

Aer Lingus came third, with 79% of flights arriving on time.

The statistics said 85% of Ryanair flights arrived on time during January - March 2004. Recently released CAA annual punctuality statistics also confirmed Ryanair the most punctual major airline for 2003.

Commenting today, Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Paul Fitzsimmons said: "This year Ryanair will carry almost 28 million passengers on 149 routes across 16 European countries, and our passengers are benefiting from Europe’s lowest fares and best on-time record."

The full list was as follows:

1. RYANAIR 85%

2. SAS 80%

3. AER LINGUS 79%

4. FLYBE 79%

5. BRITISH AIRWAYS 78%

6. EASYJET 76%

7. IBERIA 75%

8. KLM 75%

9. LUFTHANSA 74%

10. BMI 74%

11. AIR FRANCE 72%

12. ALITALIA 58%