Qantas believes it solved most issues in new report ahead of performance test

It appears things are looking up for the embattled airline since making proactive steps to improve its services — but it is yet to face a big test.

It appears things are looking up for Qantas since the airline announced it was making proactive steps to improve its services.

However, even embattled airline says its performance will be tested in the next few weeks during the busy holiday period.

On Monday, the flying kangaroo released details on its operational performance, revealing flight delays, cancellations and mishandled bag rates had fallen in the first two weeks of September.

It comes after the airline faced troubling times in the last six months as flights returned to pre-pandemic levels.

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Qantas revealed flight delays, cancellations and mishandled bag rates had fallen in the first two weeks of September. Picture: Gaye Gerard

According to the airline, its on-time performance has improved from 52 per cent of flights on time in July, to 67 per cent in August and 71 per cent from September 1-14.

Flight cancellations, which has caused the most angst for passengers, have been reduced to 2 per cent during the month so far — down from 7.5 per cent in June and 4 per cent in August.

This is compared to the pre-Covid rate of 2.4 per cent.

Qantas said cancellations were often due to aircraft serviceability or crew availability, with “safety always coming before schedule”.

According to the airline’s figures, on-time performance has improved from 52% of flights arriving or departing on time in July to 67% in August and 71% between September 1 -14. Picture: Qantas

Mishandled bags are at six per 1000 passengers overall and five per 1000 for domestic, which Qantas said was in line with pre-Covid levels.

With September traditionally a busy time for Aussie airlines, bringing school holidays, major football competition finals and long weekends that push demand up rapidly, the airline said that’s when its “performance will be tested”.

Flight cancellations also look to have improved significantly and are now below pre-Covid levels. Picture: Qantas

“Performance will be tested in coming weeks with school holidays, long weekends and football finals driving high levels of demand at peak times,” it stated.

“Customers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours ahead for international flights.”

Mishandled bag rate are at pre-Covid levels, according to Qantas, with mishandled bags at six per 1000 passengers overall and five per 1000 passengers for domestic services. Picture: Qantas

It comes as the airline employed more than 1500 additional people since April, including cabin crew, airport customer service staff and engineers.

It also reduced the number of domestic flights which in turn “increased availability of staff on standby”.

It said the move lessens the impact of crew sick leave, which was the key driver of cancelled and delayed flights in July.

“More than 120 new self-service kiosks have been rolled out across the network, which are four times faster than the technology they replace. More than 80 per cent of Qantas customers now check-in online,” Qantas’s statement read.

Qantas is also encouraging customers to check in bags and stay within their carry-on allowances.

The airline says this will avoid boarding delays caused by “overhead baggage Tetris, despite our crew’s skill in this area”.