As transatlantic travel continues to thrive, European airlines are significantly boosting their presence on US-bound routes. Available Seat Miles (ASMs) measure an airline’s capacity by multiplying the number of seats by the distance flown, providing insights into their scale of operations.
Below, we’ve ranked the top five European carriers based on their ASMs for US-bound flights in September 2024, from least to most. The data in this article is sourced from Cirium, an aviation analytics company.
5
Virgin Atlantic
ASMs: 1,965,450,256
Virgin Atlantic, recognized for its unique branding and top-notch service, secures the fifth spot on our list with a substantial footprint on US-bound routes. The airline focuses heavily on transatlantic flights, particularly to East Coast cities like New York.
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The airline operates a smaller fleet compared to some of its European counterparts, but it maximizes efficiency on high-demand routes between the UK and the US. With its strong presence at London Heathrow, Virgin Atlantic offers frequent flights to major US destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando.
Although Virgin Atlantic has the fifth-highest ASMs for US-bound routes among European airlines in September 2024, it has the third-highest number of flights to the US, with 1,580 flights.
September 2024 data:
- Flights: 1,580
- Seats: 463,172
- Top US-bound route: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK (JFK)
4
Air France
ASMs: 2,016,400,898
Air France, a major player in the transatlantic market, offers extensive services between Europe and the United States from its Paris hub. The airline is known for its extensive network to major US cities, providing a seamless travel experience through its membership in the SkyTeam alliance. The airline’s consistent service and premium offerings make it a favorite for transatlantic travelers.
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September 2024 data:
- Flights: 1,564
- Seats: 465,062
- Top US-bound route: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to New York JFK (JFK)
Excluding the European airlines highlighted on this list and US-based airlines, Air France and Virgin Atlantic are surpassed by two other international airlines that offer more ASMs on their US-bound routes. These are Emirates and Qatar Airways, with 2,498,043,064 and 2,343,646,996 ASMs respectively.
3
Turkish Airlines
ASMs: 2,501,445,648
Turkish Airlines leverages its strategic location in Istanbul to serve as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the United States. The airline has built a robust network with multiple US destinations, including major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Turkish Airlines is known for its high standard of service, comfortable seating, and extensive in-flight entertainment options, making it a preferred choice for many travelers.
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The airline’s expansive route network allows passengers to transit seamlessly through Istanbul, accessing a wide range of destinations across Europe and Asia. Turkish Airlines’ commitment to offering top-notch service and extensive connectivity ensures its continued growth in the US-bound market.
September 2024 data:
- Flights: 1,368
- Seats: 435,392
- Top US-bound route: Istanbul (IST) to New York JFK (JFK)
Interestingly, Turkish Airlines has fewer US-bound flights and seats in September 2024 than Air France and Virgin Atlantic. Yet, it outshines both airlines when it comes to ASMs due to the Turkish flag carrier having longer routes (as mentioned earlier, ASM is calculated by multiplying the number of seats by the distance flown).
2
Lufthansa
ASMs: 2,830,210,938
Germany’s flagship carrier, Lufthansa, remains a dominant force in transatlantic air travel, offering a robust selection of flights to the United States. Lufthansa’s fleet of wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747-8, services key routes to the United States. The airline’s reputation for reliability and premium service ensures its continued success in the transatlantic market.
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Moreover, Lufthansa’s extensive network and strategic alliances through the Star Alliance enhance its reach and connectivity. This makes it easier for passengers to book seamless itineraries involving multiple destinations across the globe. Whether flying for business or leisure, Lufthansa offers a high-quality experience with various cabin classes tailored to different traveler needs, further solidifying its role as a leading European carrier in the transatlantic market.
September 2024 data:
- Flights: 1,842
- Seats: 608,302
- Top US-bound route: Frankfurt (FRA) to New York JFK (JFK)
1
British Airways
ASMs: 3,513,044,659
At the top of the list is British Airways, the European airline with the most ASMs on US-bound routes. It’s worth noting that, of the top ten airlines with the most ASMs to US destinations, the British flag carrier is not only the top European airline, but also the top international airline that has the highest US-bound ASMs. It is surpassed by US carriers United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, which take the first three spots.
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British Airways topping this list comes as no surprise as the airline has long been synonymous with transatlantic travel, particularly on its flagship route between London and New York. With extensive services and a focus on both premium and economy passengers, British Airways remains the leading European carrier on US-bound flights.
September 2024 data:
- Flights: 2,799
- Seats: 815,625
- Top US-bound route: London Heathrow (LHR) to New York JFK (JFK)
In conclusion, these five European airlines dominate the transatlantic market with their impressive ASMs, reflecting their commitment to providing extensive services to the US. Whether you’re looking for premium service, a wide network, or simply the best options for your next flight across the Atlantic, these airlines offer a wealth of choices.