TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The aviation landscape emerges as an interesting topic for discussion, seeing how complex and vast it is. With over 5,000 airlines in operation today, they are competing to excel in the industry by providing a variety of services to offer passengers the best flying experience.
As the competition goes, some stand out more than others with their billion-dollar revenues, countless assets, and hundreds of aircraft. Delta Air Lines comes as the largest airline in the world, generating US$65.45 billion with its US$75.76 billion in assets.
Let’s explore the 10 biggest airlines in the world by revenue, based on Companies Market Cap data.
1. Delta Air Lines
Founded in 1925, Delta Air Lines holds the title of the biggest airline in the world. This U.S. airline reportedly generates US$65.45 billion in revenue from its over 900 aircraft. Delta Air Lines operates across 290 destinations, with more than 4,000 departures daily. Aside from being the global’s top airline, Delta Air Lines is also renowned as North America’s most on-time airline, reflecting the airline’s impressive services.
Having total assets of US$75.76 billion, this airline undergoes partnerships with numerous prestigious airlines around the globe, including Air France-KLM and China Eastern, fully offering the best products and services to its passengers.
2. United Airlines Holdings
In second place is United Airlines Holdings, which generated a revenue of US$60.77 billion with assets of approximately US$73 billion. Formed by the merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines in 2010, this airline holding company has established itself as a key player in the aviation industry.
United Airlines Holdings operates both passenger and cargo flights, with over 975 aircraft. Dedicated to connecting travelers around the world, the airline flies to more than 350 destinations and operates over 4,500 flights daily.
3. American Airlines Group
With revenues of US$58.18 billion, American Airlines Group is considered one of the global’s biggest airlines. Established in 1998, the airline flies to over 350 destinations across 60 countries with its 970 fleets. With hubs spread across nine regions, American Airlines Group’s assets exceed $63.85 billion.
Historically, this airline stands out as the leader in the industry. It has been a pioneer in several areas, such as being the first to hire the first Black U.S. commercial airline pilot and the first female U.S. commercial airline pilot, as well as the first to introduce an airport lounge.
4. Lufthansa Group
Among the world’s largest airlines, the Lufthansa Group emerges as the leading aviation group in the European market. With revenues of $42.62 billion, the group serves both passenger airlines and aviation service segments, including logistics and MRO.
The group comprises several notable airlines, such as Discover Airlines, SWISS, Edelweiss Air, and Austrian Airlines, which serve some 310 destinations. Additionally, the group owns assets totaling US$50.89 billion, further solidifying its position in the industry.
5. Air France-KLM Group
Another European aviation group, Air France-KLM Group, is on its way to becoming one of the world’s leading airlines. With a generated revenue of US$35.88 billion, the group flies to more than 300 destinations in 125 countries. Air France-KLM Group owns assets worth US$36.29 billion, including its fleet of 551 aircraft, which encompasses Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Transavia
6. International Consolidated Airlines
With revenues of US$33.22 billion, International Consolidated Airlines is recognized as the global biggest airline. Established in 2011, this group flies to more than 250 destinations across 91 countries, connecting its passengers from place to place with its 580 fleets.
The group comprises five world-class airlines, such as British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. In total, International Consolidated Airlines owns assets of US$45.75 billion.
7. Southwest Airlines
Renowned for its excellent hospitality, Southwest Airlines generates a revenue of $33.22 billion. With a total assets of $35.73 billion, the airline serves over 120 destinations in 11 countries. For over 50 years, Southwest Airlines has been known for reliability and affordability, while offering top-quality services.
8. China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines connects passengers across 224 destinations in 40 countries. Generating revenues of US$26.13 billion, the airline serves as one of the world-class airlines.
With its headquarters in Guangzhou, it benefits from being a major gateway from China to Australasia and Southeast Asia. The airline operates approximately 850 aircraft for both passenger and cargo services and has total assets of $43.56 billion.
9. Air China
Another Chinese airline on the list, Air China, excels in providing over 6,000 flights daily, generating US$24.33 billion in revenue. Until today, Air China serves passengers with its 70-passenger aircraft and 23 cargo aircraft.
This Chinese airline connects people from 123 domestic and international destinations. Air China’s significant growth has also been influenced by its commitment to join the Star Alliance in 2007.
10. China Eastern Airlines
Completing the list, China Eastern Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the world with revenues of US$19.41 billion. Among the major aviation groups in China, it has total assets of US$37.71 billion and operates approximately 800 aircraft.
China Eastern Airlines covers 219 destinations in 34 countries, having its headquarters in Shanghai. Additionally, the airline is recognized for its in-flight Wi-Fi technology, enhancing passenger experience throughout the flight.
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