The World’s Top 10 Largest Airlines: A Comprehensive Overview

Airlines play an important role in connecting humans to almost every country and location in modern aviation. As per reports, 4.5 billion passengers flew on scheduled services in 2019, averaging 123.33 passengers per day. That is why airlines play a crucial role in increasing the power of aviation. Therefore, in this article, we will guide you through the list of the largest airlines in world. However, the total number of flights operating globally is increasing. Besides that, we anticipate airline departures to reach 40.3 million in 2020, averaging 110 flights per day. Hence, let’s start with the topic and go into details.

List of Top 10 Largest Airlines in World

1. American Airlines

American Airlines was originally founded in 1930, when several small airlines merged under the parent company. After that, the aviation corporation has gradually grown through numerous mergers and acquisitions. However, American Airlines is the only US airline with the world’s largest fleet. The airline has a fleet of 936 aircraft, with another nine on order for exclusive Airbus and Boeing aircraft. That’s why it ranks as one of the major airlines in world.

2. China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines began operations on June 25, 1988. In fact, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport serves as the airline’s central hub and headquarters, and Shanghai is its home district. As of March 20, 2023, the China Eastern fleet comprises 614 aircraft, with 596 in active service and 18 parked. However, the total number expects to increase to 630, soon after manufacturers deliver the first batch of aircraft. Nevertheless, it is the first airline on the list to operate the COMAC c919 aircraft.

3. Delta Airlines

The second biggest airlines of the world by fleet size is Delta Airlines, Delta Airlines was initially founded in 1925, 98 years ago. After all, Huff Deland Duster is the world’s first aerial crop dusting service. Moreover, three years later, the company named the operation when it considered rebranding itself as a passenger airline. Passenger operations started in 1929. Delta Airlines is the parent company of the following peripheral Comair Delta connection, Endeavor Air. However, the Aircraft these subsidiaries own are not included in the account of Delta Airlines fleet.

4. United Airlines

United Airlines is a founding member of the Star Alliance and one of the world’s oldest airlines. It ranks third, becoming the largest of the three global alliances in terms of passenger traffic. Additionally, the airline flies to over 342 domestic as well as international destinations across 74 countries and five continents. Likewise, the airline has 882 aircraft in service, with the remaining 67 currently parked but scheduled to commence operations soon. The fleet combines narrow body as well as wide body aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. As a result, it is widely regarded as one of the largest airlines in world.

5. Southwest Airlines

One of the most popular airlines and the first low-cost carrier on this list is Southwest Airlines. Despite the pandemic, it consistently reported profits for 46 years and pioneered affordable air travel. Therefore, the airline’s business model has become a Levant strategy for every low cost carrier worldwide. In short, the airline operates 785 aircraft, with 759 in active service and the remaining 26 currently parked.

6. China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines was originally founded in July 1988, in Baiyun District. The Chinese government reconstituted the civil aviation administration, which also manages the country’s airlines. On the other hand, the CAAC split into three major airlines, with one of them being China Southern. According to data retrieved in March 2023, China Southern operates 651 aircraft, with 615 actively serving and 36 currently parked. At the same time, the fleet includes narrow and wide body aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. Hence, it is well- known among the largest airlines in world.

7. Air China

Based in Beijing’s Shunyi district, Air China has its primary hub at Beijing Capital International Airport. In addition, the Airline serves 173 destinations, 131 domestic, 42 international across 36 countries. To point out, Air China is also a member of the Star Alliance code sharing agreement. According to reports from July 2022, Air China plans to purchase 96 A320 Neo family aircraft for a list price of $12 billion. Thus, the airline expects to receive these aircraft within the coming four years.

8. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is Turkey’s flag carrier and one of the world’s oldest airlines. However, the airline will celebrate its 90th anniversary in May 2023. In fact, the Ministry of Natural Defense founded the airline, which has a fleet of five aircraft. Well, Turkish Airlines Uses a comprehensive system rather than a hub and centralized system. It is the leading airline on the list to do so. Turkish Airlines operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. Not to mention, the airline fleet is relatively young, with an average age of 8.1 years. For these reasons, it is widely regarded as the largest airlines in world.

9. Alaska Airlines

McGee Airways was the previous name for Alaska Airlines. However, McGee Airways went through several acquisitions, sales, mergers, and name changes before settling on Alaska Airlines in May 1944. However, the Airline was successful in 1940 because of its international charter flights. Authorities grounded the airline in 1949 for a variety of safety reasons. Furthermore, it was unable to continue its international charter flights.

10. Emirates

Emirates, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, provides unmatched luxury and connectivity. In terms of global size, Emirates is the ninth-largest airline and the largest in the United Arab Emirates. With more than 200 aircraft in its fleet, it has its main office in Dubai (UAE). Furthermore, it serves over 150 destinations throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these largest airlines in world highlight aviation’s vastness and diverse propulsive strategies. Additionally, they are the pinnacle of modern air travel, uniting nations, economies, and cultures. These giants reshape air travel, serving millions and connecting the world unprecedentedly. In fact, with resolute dedication, these airlines reshape global transport, connecting people and places remarkably. Similarly, their size, prowess, and ingenuity define their pivotal role in shaping the future of travel. Finally, they embody limitless ingenuity, transcending boundaries, amid changing skies.

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