SAS Leads in Punctuality for May 2025, Clinching the Title of World’s Most Reliable Airline in Both Global and European Categories as a Result of Strategic Operational Enhancements

NgoLwesibili, ngoJuni 10, i-2025

SAS has proudly secured the title of the world’s most punctual airline for May 2025, topping both the Global Airlines and European Major Airlines categories in Cirium’s latest monthly report. This prestigious recognition underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and providing passengers with a reliable travel experience. With this achievement, SAS has reaffirmed its place as an industry leader in punctuality, further solidifying its reputation for offering seamless and dependable flight services.

The airline’s success in securing the top spot for punctuality in May 2025 is the culmination of a year-long focus on optimizing operational processes and reducing delays. SAS has introduced a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing its reliability and ensuring that flights arrive on time. These initiatives have had a direct and positive impact on the airline’s performance, contributing to the impressive punctuality rate it achieved.

Among the key steps SAS has taken is the enhancement of interdepartmental coordination. By fostering greater collaboration between teams across various functions, SAS has been able to streamline its operations, ensuring smoother transitions from one stage of the flight process to another. This has resulted in faster turnaround times and more effective responses to operational challenges.

Moreover, SAS has implemented smarter scheduling practices, allowing for better management of daily flight operations. By analyzing data more effectively, the airline has been able to fine-tune its flight schedules, minimizing delays caused by overlapping connections or inefficient use of available aircraft. This approach has not only improved punctuality but also enhanced the overall customer experience by reducing the stress associated with unexpected delays.

The airline has also embraced innovative technology to support its operational improvements. From real-time data tracking to predictive analytics, SAS has leveraged cutting-edge tools to identify potential disruptions before they escalate into delays. This proactive approach has played a crucial role in the airline’s success, ensuring that it remains one step ahead in maintaining punctuality.

SAS’s performance in May 2025 also demonstrates the positive impact of the airline’s ongoing transformation efforts. By consistently prioritizing operational excellence, SAS has been able to outperform its competitors and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. This recognition serves as a testament to the airline’s dedication to providing a reliable, punctual service, and it highlights the effectiveness of the strategies implemented throughout the past year.

Looking ahead, SAS’s continued focus on improving punctuality and operational efficiency will likely drive even greater success in the future. The airline’s commitment to refining its processes and incorporating innovative solutions will ensure that passengers can count on SAS for timely and dependable travel experiences, both in the short and long term.

"This achievement is a tribute to our incredible teams across SAS — end-to-end planning from network and crews to technicians and operations control — who show true dedication every single day. It proves what’s possible when everyone pulls in the same direction. Improving punctuality takes daily focus, teamwork and thousands of smart decisions across the operation. It’s been a clear priority for us, knowing how much it matters to our customers and our own teams — and we’re seeing the difference it makes. Being ranked number one is a great moment for the entire SAS team, and a sign that the steps we’ve taken are delivering real results, " says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO, SAS.

For the second consecutive month, SAS has claimed the title of the world’s most punctual airline. In May, 89.72% of its flights were on time, surpassing Saudia and Aeromexico. This marks the third consecutive month that the top three spots in global punctuality rankings have been occupied by SkyTeam alliance carriers. SAS topped the rankings in April and secured second place in March, consistently achieving high positions throughout the winter months.

This impressive performance demonstrates significant progress compared to the same period last year, despite the challenges posed by seasonal variations and higher traffic levels. The rankings are published by Cirium, a prominent aviation analytics firm that monitors real-time operational data across the industry.

SAS’s rise in punctuality reflects a concerted effort to enhance operational efficiency following its ongoing transformation. The airline has set new internal benchmarks, streamlined turnaround procedures, and improved tracking of performance to ensure consistent and reliable service.

“SAS is clearly on a strong trajectory. To go from 15th place in 2023 to taking the top spot in both Europe and Global categories—two months in a row—is no small feat. These results speak to a consistent focus on operational performance and a clear commitment to the customer experience. With an 89.72% on-time rate in May, SAS continues to set the pace. Congratulations again to Anko van der Werff and the entire team. It’s great to see this kind of momentum in action,“ kusho uMike Malik, oyiChief Marketing Officer e-Cirium.

Although securing the top spot in May is a significant achievement, SAS stresses that their efforts remain ongoing, with an unwavering commitment to maintaining stability and predictability throughout the summer and into the future.