As of 2024, the Largest Airlines in the World can be assessed based on various factors such as revenue, passenger-kilometers flown, and fleet size. In the discussion below, we provide a detailed analysis of the top 10 airlines ranked by fleet size. This includes information on the total number of routes, headquarters, and founding years.
American Airlines holds the title of the Largest Airline in the World, followed by United Airlines (UA/UAL), Delta Air Lines (DL/DAL), Southwest Airlines (WN/SWA), and FedEx (FX/FDX). These airlines dominate the global aviation industry in terms of fleet size, passenger numbers, and routes, each contributing significantly to the international and domestic travel sectors.
Fleet size refers to the total number of aircraft that an airline operates. This includes all types of aircraft in service, whether they are passenger planes, cargo planes, or a combination of both.
Largest Airlines in the World
1. American Airlines (AA/AAL)
2. United Airlines (UA/UAL)
3. Delta Air Lines (DL/DAL)
4. Southwest Airlines (WN/SWA)
5. FedEx (FX/FDX)
6. Ryanair (FR/RYR)
7. Air China (CA/CCA)
8. Turkish Airlines (TK/THY)
9. IndiGo (6E/IGO)
10. Lufthansa (LH/DLH)
Summary Table
| Rank | Airline | Fleet Size | Routes | Headquartered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Airlines | 1,558 | 1,715 | Fort Worth, Texas |
| 2 | United Airlines | 1,444 | 1,782 | Chicago, Illinois |
| 3 | Delta Air Lines | 1,271 | 1,775 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| 4 | Southwest Airlines | 821 | 2,115 | Dallas, Texas |
| 5 | FedEx | 689 | 944 | Memphis, Tennessee |
| 6 | Ryanair | 537 | 3,702 | Dublin, Ireland |
| 7 | Air China | 497 | 1,180 | Beijing, China |
| 8 | Turkish Airlines | 345 | 1,199 | Istanbul, Turkey |
| 9 | IndiGo | 354 | 1,169 | Gurgaon, India |
| 10 | Lufthansa | 329 | 736 | Frankfurt, Germany |
1. American Airlines (AA/AAL)
Fleet Size: 1,558
Routes: 1,715
Headquartered: Fort Worth, Texas
Established in 1926 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines is the largest airline in the United States, operating a fleet of 1,558 aircraft. The airline provides extensive services across 1,715 routes, covering a wide array of domestic and international destinations. As a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, American Airlines is dedicated to offering a high standard of service and connectivity to travelers around the globe.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, American Airlines is the largest airline.
2. United Airlines (UA/UAL)
Fleet Size: 1,444
Routes: 1,782
Headquartered: Chicago, Illinois
Founded in April 1926 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United Airlines is the second-largest airline in the world, operating a fleet of 1,444 aircraft. The airline offers services on 1,782 routes, connecting numerous domestic and international destinations. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, United Airlines focuses on providing exceptional travel experiences and extensive connectivity for its passengers.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, United Airlines is the 2nd largest airline.
3. Delta Air Lines (DL/DAL)
Fleet Size: 1,271
Routes: 1,775
Headquartered: Atlanta, Georgia
Delta Air Lines, established in 1929 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest airlines in the world, with a fleet of 1,271 aircraft. The airline serves 1,775 routes, offering comprehensive domestic and international travel options. As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta is known for its high standards of customer service and operational reliability.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Delta Air Lines is the 3rd largest airline.
4. Southwest Airlines (WN/SWA)
Fleet Size: 821
Routes: 2,115
Headquartered: Dallas, Texas
Founded in March 1967 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest Airlines is a leading low-cost carrier in the United States, operating a fleet of 821 Boeing aircraft. With a route network that includes 2,115 destinations, Southwest is recognized for its unique approach to air travel and commitment to providing affordable and reliable services.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Southwest Airlines is the 4th largest airline.
5. FedEx (FX/FDX)
Fleet Size: 689
Routes: 944
Headquartered: Memphis, Tennessee
FedEx, a global leader in air cargo services and a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The airline operates a fleet of 689 aircraft across 944 routes, ensuring swift and efficient package delivery worldwide. FedEx plays a vital role in the global supply chain, providing essential logistics services to businesses around the globe.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, FedEx is the 5th largest airline.
6. Ryanair (FR/RYR)
Fleet Size: 537
Routes: 3,702
Headquartered: Dublin, Ireland
Ryanair, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is an innovative low-cost airline that revolutionized European air travel with its no-frills approach. Founded in 1984, Ryanair operates a fleet of 537 Boeing 737 aircraft and serves 3,702 routes, making it the largest airline in Europe by both fleet size and number of destinations.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Ryanair is the 6th largest airline.
7. Air China (CA/CCA)
Fleet Size: 497
Routes: 1,180
Headquartered: Beijing, China
Air China, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Beijing, is the national carrier of the People’s Republic of China. The airline operates a diverse fleet of 497 aircraft across 1,180 routes, connecting numerous domestic and international destinations. As a member of the Star Alliance, Air China plays a crucial role in linking China to the rest of the world.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Air China is the 7th largest airline.
8. Turkish Airlines (TK/THY)
Fleet Size: 345
Routes: 1,199
Headquartered: Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish Airlines, established in 1933 and headquartered in Istanbul, is the national flag carrier of Turkey. The airline operates a mixed fleet of 345 aircraft across 1,199 routes, serving over 340 destinations in more than 120 countries. As a member of the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines is recognized for its extensive global network and commitment to service excellence.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines is the 8th largest airline.
9. IndiGo (6E/IGO)
Fleet Size: 354
Routes: 1,169
Headquartered: Gurgaon, India
IndiGo, based in Gurgaon, India, is a prominent low-cost airline that commenced operations in 2006. The airline operates a fleet of 354 aircraft and serves 1,169 routes, focusing on providing affordable and efficient air travel options. IndiGo has become the largest airline in India, known for its extensive domestic and international network.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, IndiGo is the 9th largest airline.
10. Lufthansa (LH/DLH)
Fleet Size: 329
Routes: 736
Headquartered: Frankfurt, Germany
Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany, was established in 1953 and is headquartered in Frankfurt. The airline operates a fleet of 329 aircraft across 736 routes, providing extensive service to over 300 destinations worldwide. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, Lufthansa is recognized for its commitment to quality service and operational excellence in international aviation.
In the ranking of the largest airlines in the world, Lufthansa is the 10th largest airline.
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