An aviation analytics company Cirium‘s annual On-Time Performance Review for Airlines & Airports hailed FlySafair as the world’s most on-time low-cost carrier.

With an impressive 92.36% on-time arrival rate among its 55,444 flights, FlySafair surged ahead of global competitors.

Cirium emphasized the significance of on-time performance in bolstering customer satisfaction and optimizing aircraft utilization for low-cost carriers.

The report highlighted FlySafair’s efficiency in minimizing costly flight delays, essential for their business model’s success.

Behind FlySafair, Brazilian carrier Azul secured the second spot with an 85.51% on-time arrival rate among its 310,972 flights, followed by Hong Kong Express at 85.23% for its 23,761 flights.

FlySafair: The Rise and Evolution of South Africa’s Low-Cost Airline

FlySafair, a prominent international low-cost carrier based in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, South Africa, has made significant strides since its inception.

Established in August 2013, the airline encountered initial turbulence when a legal tussle delayed its anticipated launch in October of the same year. The High Court of South Africa intervened, halting operations due to concerns about compliance with the requisite local ownership threshold.

Undeterred by this setback, FlySafair underwent substantial restructuring, leading to its inaugural flight finally taking off on October 16, 2014. This marked the beginning of an impressive journey that has since shaped the airline’s trajectory.

Noteworthy milestones have punctuated FlySafair’s growth. In 2017, a groundbreaking partnership was forged with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), securing FlySafair as the official domestic carrier for the Springboks and SA Rugby. This strategic alliance not only bolstered the airline’s visibility but also solidified its presence within the sporting landscape, a testament to its commitment beyond aviation.

The airline’s evolution did not halt with successful partnerships; it underwent a significant rebrand in October 2022. This transformation encompassed a revamped logo and an updated livery, signaling a fresh chapter in FlySafair’s visual identity.

Simultaneously, the International Air Services Council of South Africa approved 11 new international routes, indicative of the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

FlySafair’s journey embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. From overcoming legal hurdles to establishing crucial partnerships and embarking on a transformative rebrand, the airline has continuously navigated challenges and capitalized on opportunities, solidifying its position as a key player in South Africa’s aviation industry.

As it ventures into new international routes and endeavors, FlySafair remains dedicated to its ethos encapsulated in the company slogan: “For The Love Of Flying.”