Ryanair confirmed Europe's most punctual

Irish low-fares carrier Ryanair has been confirmed as the number-one major airline for punctuality by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the second quarter of 2004.

Statistics say that 85% of Ryanair flights arrived on time between April and June.

Recently-released CAA annual punctuality statistics also confirmed Ryanair as the most punctual major airline for 2003 and for the first quarter of 2004.

Head of communications, Paul Fitzsimmons said: “This year, Ryanair will carry over 27 million passengers on 186 routes across 17 European countries, and our passengers are benefiting from Europe’s lowest fares and best on-time record.”

German flag-carrier Lufthansa was in second place, with 83% of flights arriving on time, with SAS Airlines coming in third on a figure of 82%.

Aer Lingus was in 12th place, with 74% of flights on time.

Ryanair opened its day’s trading on the ISEQ at €3.82.