Ryanair: most punctual airline in the world

Leading low-cost carrier Ryanair is the most punctual major airline in the world, according to figures from the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

DOT figures published on Ryanair's website indicate that the Irish airline managed a punctuality rate of 85 per cent over the course of 2006, ahead of Lufthansa with 81 per cent. Air France and Southwest were in joint third position with an 80 per cent punctuality rate.

British Airways had a significantly lower punctuality rate of 70 per cent, no doubt impacted by factors such as the security scare last summer and heavy fog during the busy Christmas holiday period.

Peter Sherrard, head of communications at Ryanair, commented: "These US DOT statistics confirm that Ryanair is number one for on-time flights, beating the major carriers in both Europe and the United States."

He added that Ryanair has the best record for losing the least number of bags en route.

Ryanair offers flights from around the UK to more than 20 countries around Europe and Morocco.

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