The airline industry in 2024 is soared to new heights, driven by unprecedented demand for air travel, technological advancements, and renewed global connectivity. From luxury long-haul carriers connecting the world’s biggest hubs to low-cost airlines making air travel accessible for millions, the largest airlines played a critical role in shaping the future of aviation.

In this comprehensive guide, we rank the Top 20 Largest Airlines in 2024 based on Available Seat Miles (ASMs), a key measure of capacity as well as flights and seat offerings. This article highlights how these airlines are meeting diverse passenger needs, whether it’s high-frequency domestic routes, intercontinental luxury travel, or low-cost, no-frills journeys.

As the world becomes more interconnected, understanding which airlines dominate the skies provides a fascinating glimpse into the trends driving the industry. From U.S. powerhouses like United and Delta to Middle Eastern leaders like Emirates and Qatar Airways, and rising Asian contenders like China Southern and IndiGo, the top 20 largest airlines showcase the incredible scale and diversity of modern air travel.

Top 20 Largest Airlines in 2024

Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 Largest Airlines in 2024, based on ASMs, flights, and seats offered.

1. United Airlines

ASM: 315,312,872,790 (315.3 billion)
Flights: 1,616,464
Seats: 212,442,242

United Airlines leads the global ranking in 2024, capitalizing on its extensive network across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its vast ASM underscores its dominance and focus on long-haul international routes. United’s growth is powered by new fleet additions and expanded partnerships under the Star Alliance network.

2. American Airlines

ASM: 295,902,371,474 (295.9 billion)
Flights: 2,177,433
Seats: 275,484,151

American Airlines secures the second spot with significant flight frequency and seat capacity. Operating the highest number of flights among the global carriers, American focuses on domestic U.S. markets and key international hubs. Its commitment to fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives has solidified its position as a global aviation leader.

3. Delta Air Lines

ASM: 291,135,321,832 (291.1 billion)
Flights: 1,713,533
Seats: 239,898,788

Delta Air Lines continues its reign as a dominant carrier, renowned for exceptional customer service and operational efficiency. While slightly behind United and American in ASMs, Delta maintains a strong foothold in premium transatlantic routes and domestic travel. Its investment in cutting-edge technology ensures seamless travel experiences.

4. Emirates

ASM: 222,385,716,454 (222.4 billion)
Flights: 172,059
Seats: 71,061,432

Emirates leads in luxury and long-haul capacity, bolstered by its fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos and Boeing 777s. The DXB-based carrier connects major global hubs through its strategic location in the Middle East. While its flight count and seat capacity are significantly lower than U.S. carriers, Emirates dominates in ASM due to its extensive intercontinental routes.

5. Southwest Airlines

ASM: 178,455,212,628 (178.5 billion)
Flights: 1,452,233
Seats: 231,420,199

Southwest Airlines continues to thrive in the low-cost carrier space, ranking fifth globally. Its focus on domestic routes within the United States results in high flight frequency and seat availability. Southwest’s affordability and customer-friendly policies keep it a favourite among budget travellers.

6. Ryanair

ASM: 159,269,058,271 (159.3 billion)
Flights: 1,068,135
Seats: 203,795,969

As Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair remains a formidable force in the airline industry. With an extensive network of short-haul routes, Ryanair’s efficiency and competitive pricing ensure its continued dominance in the European market. Its cost-cutting strategies and high seat density contribute to its impressive ASM.

7. Qatar Airways

ASM: 158,962,503,259 (159.0 billion)
Flights: 196,636
Seats: 54,000,421

Qatar Airways is known for it global network, cabin and service excellence. Ranking seventh globally, it operates an expansive network spanning six continents. Despite offering fewer flights and seats than other airlines, Qatar’s emphasis on long-haul travel inflates its ASM, particularly with its hub-and-spoke model centred in Doha.

8. China Southern Airlines

ASM: 151,464,874,858 (151.5 billion)
Flights: 822,653
Seats: 147,595,887

China Southern Airlines, Asia’s largest carrier, boasts an extensive domestic and international network. With a strong presence in China and growing intercontinental operations, the airline plays a pivotal role in connecting Asia with the rest of the world. Its growing fleet and robust passenger demand drive its high ASM ranking.

9. Turkish Airlines

ASM: 145,373,173,774 (145.4 billion)
Flights: 418,951
Seats: 85,090,974

Turkish Airlines continues its remarkable growth, leveraging Istanbul’s strategic location to connect Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its vast network of over 300 destinations and diverse fleet positions it as a key global carrier. Turkish Airlines excels in both long-haul and regional routes, making it a staple in the top 10 list.

10. China Eastern Airlines

ASM: 137,646,787,882 (137.6 billion)
Flights: 863,753
Seats: 144,329,849

Rounding out the top 10, China Eastern Airlines plays a critical role in Asia’s aviation landscape. With a focus on domestic and regional connectivity, the airline also continues to expand its long-haul capabilities. Its significant seat capacity highlights its role in China’s burgeoning air travel market.

Bottom 10 Largest Airlines

The global aviation industry is defined by fierce competition, operational efficiency, and growing travel demand. Beyond the Top 10 Largest Airlines, there are other key players that play significant roles in the industry. Here’s a look at rank 11 to 20, highlighting their contribution to the global airline market based on Available Seat Miles (ASMs), flights, and seat capacity.

11. Air China

ASM: 131,946,776,916 (131.9 billion)
Flights: 615,660
Seats: 114,562,937

As one of China’s “Big Three” airlines, Air China focuses on connecting Asia with Europe and North America. With a strong emphasis on international routes, it plays a vital role in China’s growing outbound tourism market. The airline also leverages its strategic hubs in Beijing and Chengdu to strengthen its global footprint.

12. British Airways

ASM: 112,500,979,196 (112.5 billion)
Flights: 310,657
Seats: 59,751,051

British Airways is known for its premium service and robust transatlantic network. The British flag carrier benefits from its hub at London Heathrow (LHR), one of the busiest airports in the world, allowing it to maintain significant market share in Europe and beyond.

13. Air Canada

ASM: 105,162,939,679 (105.2 billion)
Flights: 385,956
Seats: 57,198,520

Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and a major carrier in North American and international markets. Its strategic hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal connect Canada to Europe, Asia, and South America. The airline continues to invest in fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives.

14. Lufthansa

ASM: 104,853,817,183 (104.9 billion)
Flights: 418,832
Seats: 73,697,969

Germany’s Lufthansa remains a dominant force in Europe, offering an extensive network of international routes. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, Lufthansa benefits from strong global partnerships and serves as a key connector between Europe and other continents. Its premium services and innovative products attract both business and leisure travellers.

15. Air France

ASM: 103,994,287,487 (104.0 billion)
Flights: 279,068
Seats: 50,098,241

Air France combines French elegance with operational efficiency, focusing on long-haul routes to Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Partnering with KLM as part of the Air France-KLM Group, the French carrier benefits from a dual-hub strategy based in Paris and Amsterdam, further boosting its international reach.

16. LATAM Airlines

ASM: 97,953,023,246 (97.9 billion)
Flights: 554,129
Seats: 101,619,186

LATAM Airlines is the largest carrier in South America, operating a comprehensive network across the continent and to key destinations in North America, Europe, and Oceania. Its focus on connecting underserved regions and enhancing international routes has positioned it as a crucial carrier in the global aviation industry.

17. IndiGo

ASM: 93,943,675,638 (93.9 billion)
Flights: 750,085
Seats: 135,150,645

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, dominates the domestic market and is rapidly expanding its international footprint. Known for its cost-efficient operations, IndiGo operates a high frequency of flights offering a large seat capacity, catering to the growing demand for affordable travel in the Indian subcontinent.

18. Singapore Airlines

ASM: 85,815,907,009 (85.8 billion)
Flights: 117,233
Seats: 30,956,055

Despite ranking lower in terms of seat capacity and flights, Singapore Airlines’ focus on long-haul routes and premium passenger experiences keeps it competitive. The airline’s strategic hub in Singapore serves as a key gateway to Asia-Pacific and beyond.

19. EasyJet

ASM: 79,053,619,558 (79.1 billion)
Flights: 569,585
Seats: 90,237,145

EasyJet, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, ranks 19th globally in 2024. Known for its bright orange fleet and efficient operations, EasyJet continues to thrive by connecting key cities across Europe and North Africa. Its focus on high-frequency short-haul routes and affordable fares appeals to both leisure and business travelers.

With hubs at major European airports like London Gatwick, Milan Malpensa, and Berlin Brandenburg, EasyJet plays a crucial role in facilitating intra-European travel.

20. Aeroflot

ASM: 71,476,504,540 (71.5 billion)
Flights: 293,118
Seats: 50,684,212

Aeroflot, Russia’s flagship carrier, rounds out the top 20 largest airlines in 2024. With its iconic branding and long-standing reputation, Aeroflot connects Russia to major international destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Domestically, the airline dominates Russia’s vast geography, linking remote cities and regions with Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Despite geopolitical challenges, the airline remains a key player in global aviation, catering to both international travelers and the growing Russian domestic market.

Conclusion: Largest Airlines

The largest airlines in 2024 reflect a mix of traditional full-service carriers and cost-efficient low-cost airlines. U.S.-based airlines like United, American, and Delta dominate the list due to their extensive domestic and international operations. Meanwhile, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines showcase the power of strategically located global hubs.

With travel demand rebounding and airlines prioritizing sustainability and fleet innovation, the rankings are likely to evolve in the coming years. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an aviation enthusiast, keeping an eye on these giants is essential for understanding the future of global air travel.

Global airlines are not only expanding their fleets and destinations but are also setting benchmarks in efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience.

Source: Cirium

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