One third of Jetstar flights delayed

[Greg McDonald]

From news.com.au:

NEARLY one in three Jetstar flights were delayed last month, Government figures show.

The figures, released by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government today, show the number of late Jetstar flights rose from around 23 per cent in May to 30 per cent in June.

The airline also had the highest percentage of cancellations during June at 2.2 per cent.

It is one of the worst monthly performances Jetstar has had in recent years.

These figures are the latest blow for the troubled airline, which has had a bumpy ride since the launch of its New Zealand schedule last month including complaints of late and cancelled flights, rude staff and dozens of New Zealanders turned away for failing to check in early enough.

The Qantas subsidiary also become involved in a slanging match with Air New Zealand earlier this month after the Australian airline claimed the Kiwi launch had been sabotaged by dirty tricks.

Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan took responsibility for the faltering Kiwi start, admitting there were some customers who hadn't had the best Jetstar experience, "and for that we're apologetic".

Jetstar says its on-time performance deteriorated due to poor weather and maintenance issues.

According to the figures Qantas had the highest on-time arrival and departure rates, followed by Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways.

Tiger was the worst performers throughout the previous month, when over 27 per cent of its flights were late.