Exploring the 15 Largest Airlines in the World

The world of aviation is a complex and ever-evolving industry. At the forefront are the airlines that move millions of passengers across continents, shaping global travel and commerce.  

These titans of the sky come in all shapes and sizes, with some dominating specific regions and others boasting vast international networks. 

Whether measured by revenue, fleet size, or passenger numbers, these airlines are industry leaders, setting standards and influencing travel trends.

Here, we’ll talk about the 15 Largest Airlines in the World, exploring their unique strengths, extensive networks, and the factors that have propelled them to the top.  

List of the 15 Largest Airlines in the World

Following is the list of the 15 Largest Airlines in the World:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Emirates
• Southwest Airlines
• China Southern
• Qatar Airways
• Air France
• China Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• International Airlines Group
• All Nippon Airways
• Alaska Air Group
• JetBlue Airways

1. American Airlines

American Airlines is a major player in the global aviation industry, boasting an extensive network that caters to millions of travelers every year.

American Airlines ranks among the world’s largest airlines based on the number of passengers they carry. This translates to a massive flight schedule, operating nearly 7,000 flights daily across a network spanning over 350 destinations in more than 50 countries.

Whether you’re looking for a domestic trip or planning an international adventure, American Airlines has you covered. American Airlines prioritizes a modern and reliable fleet. They operate close to 1,000 aircraft, primarily consisting of Airbus and Boeing models. This ensures a comfortable and safe flying experience for their passengers.

American Airlines caters to various travel needs by offering a range of cabin classes. From standard economy seating to luxurious premium options, people can choose the level of comfort that best suits their budget and journey. Their premium cabins, like Flagship First and Flagship Business, provide features like fully lie-flat seats for long-haul flights, ensuring a restful and comfortable travel experience.

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2. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is a titan in the aviation industry, consistently ranking among the world’s best. Delta holds the prestigious title of the world’s largest airline by revenue and market capitalization. Additionally, they rank second in the number of scheduled passengers they transport, showcasing their immense reach and popularity.

With over 5,400 daily flights connecting passengers to 325 destinations across six continents, Delta offers an impressive network that caters to almost any travel need. Whether you’re planning a domestic getaway or an international adventure, Delta likely has a flight to get you there.

Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, the second-largest airline alliance globally. This alliance allows them to offer passengers seamless connections and benefits when flying with other member airlines.

Delta stands out for being the only U.S. carrier offering flights to specific major cities like Copenhagen, Stuttgart, and Lagos. This makes them a valuable choice for travelers seeking direct connections to these destinations.

Delta has been a major player in the U.S. aviation scene since the 1940s, initially specializing in freight transportation. Through strategic acquisitions like Northeast Airlines in 1972 and Pan Am’s trans-Atlantic routes in 1991, they have experienced significant growth and cemented their dominance in the Atlantic region.

Delta boasts a sizable fleet of over 900 aircraft, with the distinction of having the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 717, 767, and 757 models.

Recognizing diverse travel needs, Delta offers a variety of cabin classes. Passengers can choose from standard first-class and basic economy options, or opt for premium experiences with additional amenities.

They also run a loyalty program simply called “Delta Air Lines,” which rewards passengers with points for their travels.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines, often shortened to simply “United,” is a major force in the aviation industry, ranking as the world’s third-largest based on the sheer size of its fleet and the vastness of its route network.

United boasts an impressive global reach, operating primarily transcontinental flights within the United States but also extending to hundreds of thousands of passengers traveling between six continents daily. This makes them a strong choice for both domestic and international trips.

United operates eight major hubs strategically located across the nation, ensuring smooth connections and efficient travel for passengers. The Chicago-O’Hare hub stands out as its busiest, handling a significant volume of departures and passengers.

United is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. They understand the importance of regional connectivity within the U.S. They operate regional services under the brand name United Express, ensuring their network caters to both long-distance and shorter domestic travel needs.

Recognizing the desire for elevated travel experiences, United offers Polaris Business, their best-selling business-class product. This premium option caters to discerning travelers by providing amenities like comfortable seats, dedicated check-in counters, and access to the exclusive United Polaris Lounge for a more relaxed and luxurious pre-flight experience.

4. Lufthansa

Lufthansa holds a position of prominence in European aviation, claiming the title of both the largest airline in Germany and all of Europe based on the number of scheduled passengers they carry.

Lufthansa is a symbol of German air travel, serving as the country’s official flag carrier. This prestigious designation reflects their reliability, safety, and commitment to German air travel.

Lufthansa is not only a major airline, but also a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. This membership allows passengers to enjoy a multitude of benefits, including seamless connections and rewards when flying with other member airlines on a global scale.

Lufthansa owns several subsidiary companies that are major airlines in their own right, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. This strong network allows them to offer a wider range of destinations and cater to diverse travel needs.

Lufthansa’s subsidiaries encompass companies specializing in related industries, such as Lufthansa Technik AG. This leading European aircraft maintenance and repair company showcases Lufthansa’s commitment to comprehensive aviation services.

Lufthansa boasts a sizable fleet of 710 aircraft, solidifying its position as one of the largest in Europe. This ensures they can serve their extensive network of destinations and large number of passengers.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, Lufthansa strategically shifted its focus to generate revenue in 2020 by utilizing its commercial fleet for high-density cargo shipment services.

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5. Emirates

Emirates, the flag carrier and undisputed airline of the United Arab Emirates has taken the industry by storm. Established in 1985, Emirates embodies the spirit of the United Arab Emirates, serving as the country’s official flag carrier. They are a symbol of national progress and innovation in the aviation sector.

Emirates has not only secured its place as the largest airline in the United Arab Emirates but also reigns supreme across the entire Middle East. Their extensive network connects passengers to over 150 cities in 80 countries, solidifying their position as a regional leader.

Compared to other airlines on this list, Emirates is a young but ambitious player. Founded in 1985, they have achieved exceptional growth, at an annual rate of 20% since their inception.

Emirates is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, an airline holding company wholly owned by the Dubai government. This backing has undoubtedly played a role in their remarkable success.

They boast a substantial fleet of 262 passenger aircraft, with an additional 11 cargo aircraft operated under the Emirates SkyCargo brand. Notably, Emirates holds the distinction of operating the world’s largest fleets of both Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft.

6. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has carved a unique niche in the busy U.S. aviation industry. Southwest Airlines started small, established in 1967 as Air Southwest Co. Their first decade was dedicated to serving solely as a Texas-based intrastate airline.

Southwest Airlines has soared to become the undisputed leader in domestic flight service within the United States. During peak travel seasons, their extensive network operates an impressive 4,000 flights across 109 American destinations.

Southwest Airlines has a clear preference when it comes to their fleet – Boeing 737 jetliners across the board. This singular focus makes them the world’s largest operator of this popular aircraft model.

Unlike its main competitors in the United States, Southwest Airlines takes a different approach to routing. They forgo the widely used hub-and-spoke system, opting instead for a combination of point-to-point service and a rolling hub model.

7. China Southern

China Southern Airlines reigns supreme in Asian aviation, holding the coveted title of largest airline based on revenue, fleet size, and the number of scheduled passengers they carry. China Southern is a relatively young airline, established in 1988. Its formation stemmed from a strategic move by the Chinese government to decentralize and restructure the state-owned CAAC Airlines into four separate domestic airlines.

China Southern boasts an impressive network, operating over 2,000 departures daily. This vast network connects passengers to a staggering 200 destinations across 60 countries, solidifying their position as a major player in both domestic and international travel within Asia.

Understanding the value of collaboration, China Southern entered a strategic frequent flier partnership with American Airlines in 2019.

China Southern prioritizes a modern fleet to ensure passenger comfort and safety. Their current fleet consists of 653 aircraft, with a significant portion composed of Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, popular models known for their efficiency and reliability.

China Southern also owns and operates China Southern Cargo, a dedicated cargo airline. This subsidiary provides cargo services between Europe, North America, and China.

8. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, the Qatari government’s pride and joy, is a major force in Middle Eastern aviation, holding the number two spot on the Arabian peninsula. Qatar Airways is fully owned and operated by the Qatari government, benefiting from strong government support. This backing has undoubtedly played a role in their impressive growth and success.

Despite being based in a relatively small country, Qatar Airways boasts a remarkably extensive global network. They offer flights to over 150 international destinations spanning across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania.

Qatar Airways leverages Hamad International Airport as its central hub. Given Qatar’s size, almost all their flights take off from this central location.

Qatar Airways operates a sizable fleet of 236 aircraft, which is particularly impressive considering their revenue.

9. Air France

Air France, often abbreviated as AIRFRANCE, is a symbol of French air travel, serving as the country’s national flag carrier and largest airline.

Air France boasts a long and storied history, dating back to 1933. Their origin lies in the strategic merger of five airlines, including Air Union, Air Orient, and three others.

Air France caters to both domestic and international travel needs. They offer flights within France, connecting passengers to 36 destinations, while simultaneously providing international connections to a staggering 175 destinations across 78 countries.

Air France’s primary international hub is Charles de Gaulle Airport, a major air traffic hub. From this central location, Air France manages a significant number of departures, averaging around 335 daily flights.

Air France’s influence extends beyond just passenger transportation. They have several key subsidiaries, including Air France Consulting, Air France Hop (a regional airline), and Servair (a catering company). These subsidiaries showcase Air France’s diverse range of services within the aviation industry.

The global travel landscape is ever-changing, and Air France has faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions led to a significant revenue drop in 2020. Despite this setback, Air France continues to be a major player in the aviation industry.

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10. China Airlines

China Airlines, the flag carrier of Taiwan, soars high as the island’s largest airline. Despite facing controversies with mainland China since its founding in 1959, China Airlines has carved a successful path in the aviation industry. 

China Airlines connects passengers to a respectable network, operating 1,400 flights weekly across 102 cities. Their reach extends across four major continents: Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. This allows them to cater to both the domestic and international travel needs of people in Taiwan.

Recognizing the benefits of collaboration, China Airlines joined the SkyTeam alliance in 2011.

China Airlines prioritizes a modern fleet to ensure passenger comfort and safety. As of today, they operate a fleet of 113 aircraft.

11. China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is a powerhouse in the Chinese aviation industry, ranking as the second-largest carrier by the number of scheduled passengers they transport. China Eastern Airlines is a product of China’s strategic move in 1988 to decentralize and restructure the state-owned CAAC Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines caters to a significant customer base, serving over 500,000 passengers every day. They strategically acquired and merged with Shanghai Airlines in 2009, further solidifying their position within China’s aviation landscape.

While offering international connections, China Eastern prioritizes Asia, North America, and Australia for their main traffic routes. Additionally, as of 2021, their current focus is on expanding domestic air travel, aiming to strengthen connections between Shanghai and other major Chinese cities.

China Eastern operates a sizable fleet of 614 aircraft, primarily consisting of Airbus and Boeing models. The Airbus A320-200 forms the backbone of their mainline fleet, particularly suited for domestic travel due to its efficiency.

12. International Airlines Group

The International Airlines Group (IAG) is a major player on the world stage,  holding the title of the second-largest airline in Europe based on revenue. IAG isn’t a single airline, but a powerful holding company. They are the proud parent company of British Airways and Iberia, the respective flag carriers of the United Kingdom and Spain.

Understanding the benefits of collaboration, IAG is a member of Oneworld, the third-largest global airline alliance. This membership grants passengers seamless connections and reward program benefits when flying with other member airlines around the world. IAG also strategically partners with other major airlines like China Eastern and American through codeshare agreements, further expanding their network and travel options for passengers.

Their comprehensive network boasts over 256 destinations, including key locations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

IAG prioritizes a modern fleet to ensure passenger comfort and safety. As of 2023, they operate a substantial fleet of 558 aircraft. This fleet composition is well-balanced, consisting primarily of Boeing wide-body aircraft for long-haul journeys, complemented by a mix of Airbus wide-body and narrow-body models to cater to diverse routes and passenger capacities.

13. All Nippon Airways

All Nippon Airways, also affectionately known as Zennikkū, reigns supreme in Japanese aviation. They hold the coveted title of both the largest airline by revenue and the carrier transporting the most scheduled passengers within Japan.

All Nippon Airways boasts a rich history that began in 1958. Their formation stemmed from a strategic merger between two prominent companies: Far East Airlines and Japan Helicopter and Aeroplane Transports. This consolidation laid the foundation for the major airline they are today.

All Nippon Airways is a symbol of Japanese air travel. They serve over three million customers annually, solidifying their position as a dominant force in both domestic and international travel originating from Japan. With a workforce exceeding 40,000 employees, their reach extends far beyond the cockpit.

All Nippon Airways caters to both domestic and international travel needs. Their domestic network is particularly impressive, providing connections across nearly all major cities within Japan. For international travel, they offer flights to key destinations across Asia, Canada, Western Europe, and the United States. This extensive reach allows them to cater to a broad range of travelers.

All Nippon Airways utilizes Narita International Airport as their primary international hub. This central location allows them to efficiently manage their international flight network.

All of Nippon Airways’ influence extends beyond its mainline operations. They have established a network of subsidiary airlines, including ANA Wings, Air Do, and Peach. These subsidiaries cater to various market segments and regional needs.

14. Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, a major player in the U.S. aviation industry, has carved a niche for itself serving the West Coast and connecting passengers to a wider world.

Alaska Air Group is a dominant force in western U.S. air travel. Their network focuses on efficiently connecting passengers within West Coast states, ensuring convenient travel options across the region.

While its core business lies on the West Coast, Alaska Air Group doesn’t stop there. They offer international flights to destinations in Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, catering to travelers seeking broader horizons.

With over 115 destinations and roughly 1,200 daily flights, Alaska Air Group boasts a substantial network. This allows them to connect passengers not only within the West Coast but also across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica.

Passenger comfort and safety are priorities for Alaska Air Group. They operate a mainline fleet of 295 aircraft, primarily consisting of Boeing 737s, Airbus A321s, and Embraer 175s. This selection of fuel-efficient and reliable models ensures a smooth travel experience for passengers on various routes.

15. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue, a major force in American aviation, takes pride in its focus on customer experience. Based around New York City with additional corporate offices, they’ve established a strong presence in key locations.

While JetBlue began its journey near New York City, its ambitions have soared. They now operate at least 1,000 daily flights, connecting passengers across an impressive network of 100 domestic and international destinations. This extensive network spans the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and even reaches into Europe.

JetBlue prioritizes a modern fleet to provide a comfortable and safe flying experience. As of 2023, their mainline fleet consists of 287 aircraft, predominantly Airbus models.

A Table Comparison of the Largest Airlines in the World

Rank	Airline	Headquarters	Total Employees	Fleet Size	Key Features
1	American Airlines	Fort Worth, Texas	123,400	935	Largest airline by revenue passenger mile, scheduled passengers carried, and fleet size. Operates nearly 6,800 flights daily to 350 destinations in 50 countries.
2	Delta Air Lines	Atlanta, Georgia	83,000	915	Largest by revenue and market cap. Operates over 5,400 daily flights to 325 destinations. Offers premium products like Delta One and Delta Comfort+.
3	United Airlines	Chicago, Illinois	92,795	891	Operates transcontinental flights across the US, regional services, and is a Star Alliance member. Offers United Polaris Business class.
4	Lufthansa	Cologne, Germany	107,643	710	Largest in Germany and Europe. Operates a fleet of 710 aircraft and is a member of Star Alliance.
5	Emirates	Dubai, UAE	105,730	262	Largest airline in the Middle East. Operates over 3,600 flights weekly to 150 cities. Offers the largest fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
6	Southwest Airlines	Dallas, Texas	66,100	792	Largest domestic flight carrier in the US. Operates about 4,000 flights across 109 American destinations. Uses only Boeing 737 aircraft.
7	China Southern	Guangzhou, China	98,098	653	Largest in Asia by revenue, fleet size, and passengers carried. Operates over 2,000 daily flights to 200 destinations.
8	Qatar Airways	Doha, Qatar	50,110	236	Flies to over 150 international destinations. Operates a fleet of 236 aircraft.
9	Air France	Paris, France	84,062	210	Flag carrier of France. Operates domestic flights across 36 destinations and international flights to 175 locations.
10	China Airlines	Taipei City, Taiwan	88,395	113	Flag carrier of Taiwan. Operates 1,400 flights weekly to 102 cities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
11	China Eastern Airlines	Shanghai, China	80,000	614	Second-largest airline in China. Operates a fleet of 614 aircraft, mainly Airbus A320-200 for domestic flights.
12	International Airlines Group	London, UK	59,505	558	Holding company of British Airways and Iberia. Operates 558 aircraft and is a member of Oneworld alliance.
13	All Nippon Airways	Tokyo, Japan	42,196	212	Largest in Japan by revenue and passengers carried. Operates domestic and international routes, including to Canada, Western Europe, and the US.
14	Alaska Air Group	SeaTac, Washington	25,469	295	US west-coast airline with over 115 destinations. Operates a mainline fleet of 295 aircraft, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A321.
15	JetBlue Airways	Long Island City, NY	22,000	287	Operates over 1,000 flights daily to 100 domestic and international destinations. Fleet consists mostly of Airbus models.

Conclusion

So, these were the 15 Largest Airlines in the World. From flag carriers embodying national pride to regional leaders and strategic alliances, each airline has carved a unique path to success.

Looking ahead, the future of aviation promises continued innovation and growth. As technology advances, airlines will likely focus on fuel efficiency, sustainability, and personalized passenger experiences. The landscape may shift as new players emerge, and existing airlines adapt to changing market demands.

One thing remains certain: the world’s largest airlines will continue to play a critical role in connecting people, cultures, and economies across the globe. They will shape the way we travel, experience new destinations, and navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

FAQs

Which Is the Richest Airline in the World?

Delta Air Lines is considered the world’s richest airline based on revenue, assets, and market capitalization. 

Which Country Has the Most Airlines?

The United States likely has the most airlines due to its large size and deregulated aviation market. It has around 175 airlines compared to other countries.

Which Is the Most Luxurious Airline?

Qatar Airways is frequently ranked the most luxurious airline. They boast top-notch service, in-flight dining by celebrity chefs, and award-winning business-class seats.

Which Country Has No Airline?

Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican are countries without an airline.

Which Is the Safest Airline?

Based on the latest rankings for 2024, Air New Zealand is considered the safest airline in the world.