Data released this week by impartial website FlightOnTime shows bmi regional, which marked its first anniversary as an independent airline this spring, is the most punctual scheduled airline in the UK.

FlightOnTime provides unbiased analysis of source data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and calculates the percentage of flights landing within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time and the average length of any delays.

Statistics from a total of 2,695 bmi regional flights were included in the report that showed over 92 per cent of all flights touched down within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time (5.7 per cent more than the airline in second place), and the average delay encountered was just 4.5 minutes .

Cathal O’Connell, chief executive, bmi regional, said: “On-time departures and arrivals are vital for both our business and leisure passengers and we’re determined to maintain our record as the UK’s most punctual scheduled airline, a plaudit we’ve retained for eight consecutive years, as we continue to expand.

“It’s testimony to the dedication and team work of the entire bmi regional staff and the efforts of our airport partners that we continue to provide unrivalled punctuality.”

This summer, the 18-strong all-jet bmi regional fleet will operate 450 flights each week between 23 UK and European destinations including new routes from Birmingham to Gothenburg, Lyon and Toulouse and from Bristol to Hamburg, Hannover, Milan and Munich.

Passengers enjoy 30-minute check-in (where available); complimentary in-flight food, refreshments and bar service; and 20kg hold baggage allowance at no additional cost.