The World’s 5 Largest Airlines By Frequencies This Month

OAG publishes a monthly report showing major airlines’ frequency and capacity trends worldwide, including flight data. This month’s report features a list of the largest airlines by frequency, among other categories and statistics. It indicates that US to Mexico and US to Puerto Rico are the two strongest growth markets this month, surpassing previous months’ numbers.

Each of these markets saw a more than 13% increase in capacity compared to October. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets saw significant growth in recent months. Simple Flying digs deeper into the report, emphasizing several facts and figures regarding multiple airlines’ frequencies for the month of November.

Airline frequency is measured in terms of the number of services offered by the carrier in a set period of time. It is common for airlines to have higher frequencies on shorter routes between popular destinations. Urban destinations that attract business travelers often have higher frequencies to provide flight flexibility throughout the day.

5 China Eastern Airlines

Less than 1% below pre-pandemic frequency levels

China Eastern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Founded in 1988, the airline operates a fleet of 620 aircraft and offers services to 220 destinations worldwide. The OAG data shows that November is a slower month industry-wide when it comes to service frequencies and capacity. Chinese airlines are still struggling with international air travel recovery, with only about 50% of such passenger traffic compared to 2019 numbers.

Photo: China Eastern

In November, China Eastern recorded a total frequency of 66,469 flights, 8% lower than the previous month. The current frequency has nearly reached the November 2019 numbers, with a difference of only 0.3%. It is noteworthy that domestic air travel in China is primarily responsible for the service frequency.

4 United Airlines

Nearly 17% below pre-pandemic levels

One of the United States’ big three airlines, United is the world’s third largest airline by fleet size and total revenue in 2022. Founded in 1931, the airline operates a fleet of 922 aircraft and offers services to over 360 destinations worldwide. United Airlines, among other North American operators, has recorded a significant recovery from the pandemic downturn.

Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock

In November, United Airlines recorded a frequency of 122,003 flights, 8.2% lower than the previous month. Interestingly, UA’s current frequency is significantly lower (16.9%) than in November 2019, when the airline offered 142,622 flights. Notably, frequency doesn’t necessarily affect an airline’s revenues or profitability.

3 Southwest Airlines

Over 11% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels

Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest low-cost carrier in terms of fleet size. It is also the largest operator of the Boeing 737 family aircraft. Founded in 1967, the airline operates a fleet of 803 Boeing 737 airliners and offers services to over 120 destinations throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

In November, Southwest Airlines recorded a frequency of 125,056 flights, 4.2% lower than the previous month. The airline offered 130,308 frequencies in October. Fortunately, current numbers are 11.3% higher than in November 2019, when the airline offered 112,359 flights. The airline has been receiving new Boeing 737 MAX jets for the past several months and is keen to expand its route network. It is the only airline on this list to surpass pre-pandemic frequency numbers.

2 Delta Air Lines

Nearly 13% below pre-pandemic levels

Delta Air Lines is the world’s largest airline by revenue in 2023. It is also one of the oldest airlines and operates nearly 5,500 daily flights. Founded in March 1925, over 98 years ago, the airline operates a fleet of 945 aircraft and offers services to over 300 destinations worldwide.

In November, the airline recorded a frequency of 132,779 flights, 6.3% lower than the previous month; the airline offered 141,144 frequencies in October. This statistic is 13% lower compared to November 2019, when the airline offered 150,040 flights. Along with other North American carriers, Delta Air Lines has fortunately recovered over 90% of its pre-pandemic route network and passenger capacity.

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1 American Airlines

Over 12% below pre-pandemic levels

American Airlines is the world’s largest carrier in terms of fleet size. It is also the second-largest airline by 2022 revenue. Founded in 1936, the airline operates a fleet of 963 aircraft and boasts a route network of over 350 destinations worldwide.

In November, the airline recorded a frequency of 165,686 flights, 4% lower than the previous month. The airline offered 172,503 frequencies in October. The current frequency is 12.3% lower than in November 2019, when the airline offered 186,088 flights. The airline is keen to not only regain pre-pandemic frequencies and passenger capacity but also grow further in the coming years.

What are your thoughts on the top five airlines in terms of frequency in the month of November? Have you traveled with any of these airlines this month? Share your experience in the comments section.