Supplier Solutions Business Travel Updates in January 2024
Written by Mike Heck | Vice President, Supplier Solutions
Welcome to 2024! This year looks like it is setting up to be an amazing travel year. I am looking forward to providing interesting updates from many industry partners as well as watching which trends develop.
DOT: 2023 Air Cancellation Rate Was Very Low
The U.S. aviation industry in 2023 had incredibly low cancellation rates. According to DOT statistics, there were 16.3 million flights in 2023, and a cancellation rate of 1.2 percent. 2023 was also the busiest year ever for air travel. In 2022, the cancellation rate was 2.3 percent.
DOT: 2023 Air Cancellation Rate Among Decade’s Lowest | Business Travel News
Enterprise Mobility – A New Era
Enterprise (EHI Inc.) has been a car rental industry leader for more than 65 years. In an effort to help shape future experiences, the business is connecting its full portfolio of offers – car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, carsharing, vanpooling, car sales, truck rental, luxury rental, technical solutions and more – under a new corporate brand. Introducing: Enterprise Mobility.  With the announcement, Enterprise Mobility has launched a new visual identity and corporate purpose: Advance the world, one journey at a time.
Enterprise Mobility Ushers in New Era | Enterprise Mobility
Delta Air Lines. The Most On-Time Airline in North America
For the third year in a row, Delta has been awarded Cirium’s Platinum Award for operational excellence as well as topped the rankings for being the most on-time airline in North America. In 2023, Delta’s percent of flights on time was 84.72%, which is up from 83.63% the previous year. The benchmark for the entire industry was 74.45%. DL not only exceeded the benchmark but was also performed 2.47% higher than its nearest North American competitor.
Most on-time airline in North America: Delta wins Cirium Platinum Award | Delta News Hub
United Airlines and the Houston Airport System (HAS) Announce Landmark Investment
The investment targets United’s Houston hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The program will add 40 new gates for both domestic and international travel, making it easier for the millions of customers who travel to/from IAH each year. New conveniences and amenities will include expanding curbside and roadway capacity, expanding the ticketing lobby, offering intuitive wayfinding systems and a ground-level check in area. In addition, a large United Club at the mezzanine level will offer unobstructed views of the airfield, set to become the largest club in the United system.
United, Houston Airport System Invest more than $2B in Terminal B Transformation
Southwest Airlines Reviews Significant Investments and Initiatives to Improve Operation Resiliency
The project started following the operational disruption in January 2023. Enhancements to improving the customer experience were created as well as many operational enhancements. There were dozens of new projects including the addition of over 100 new deicing trucks, increasing new engine inlet plugs, adding fuel support equipment, as well as improved customer bag tracking on their website and mobile app. In addition, there were over 35 crew scheduling system upgrades. The initiatives allowed Southwest to operate its largest-ever peak season schedule of 4300 + flights per day, as well as serving 5 million customers during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday with a 97% on-time performance. I invite you review the following link for a more detailed look at the many great things Southwest did.
