avianca, the flag carrier of Colombia, has been named the most punctual airline of 2023. It comes as aviation data and analytics provider Cirium released its 2023 On-Time Performance (OTP) Annual Review on Tuesday.

The airline topped the ratings at nearly 86%, but faced close competition with Brazil’s Azul Airlines which trailed by less than one percent. avianca’s performance is undoubtedly an accomplishment, considering the carrier was severely impacted by the pandemic.

#1 in the world, but not in Latin America

Cirium data shows that avianca was first among the global category, with US-based American Airlines rounding out the top 10.

Interestingly, the avianca was not the most punctual among its home category of Latin America, as flag carrier of Panama, Copa Airlines came in as number one with an OTP rating of nearly 90%. Out of nine airlines in the category, avianca was the second-most on-time carrier, while Aerolineas Argentinas topped ninth.

Copa’s ranking is a direct result of Cirum’s categorization requirements. Globally categorized airlines must operate service to three continents daily, according to the data provider. Since the Panama City-based airline does not reach that requirement, it is limited to to the Latin American category, where the bulk of its flights are performed.

Bogotá becomes #4 on the charts

avianca's performance also pushed its main hub at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, to perform well, finishing as the fourth-most on-time airport in the global airport category.

BOG airport also came in fourth in the large airports category, also surrounded by Kempegowda International Airport as third and Salt Lake City International Airport as fifth.

Moving forward

The news comes as avianca has experienced a tumultuous last few years. Its parent company, Avianca Group, filed for bankruptcy in 2020 and began a financial restructuring process. The airline also planned to acquire now-defunct Viva Air Colombia, but backed out earlier this year. Emerging from Chapter 11 filing in 2021, the airline has been focused on becoming a financially stronger and efficient carrier.

A new business model was introduced designed to offer passengers with more competitive fares and personalized packages. The airline has also grown its route network, as it oritinally expected that it would nearly 200 routes would in Latin America and around the world in the years following its bankruptcy exit.

Avianca Group is welcoming Frederico Pedreira as the new CEO of the company this month. Pedreira succeeds Adrian Neuhauser who led the airling through its restructuring as CFO in 2019 before being promoted to CEO in 2021. Neuhauser will become the CEO of Abra Group, an airline group platform affiliated with avianca and GOL.