The world’s airlines are constantly changing. Over the years, we have seen many of them rise and fall, but there are a few that stand out from the crowd. These airlines have carved out a name for themselves in terms of size, number of destinations served and customer service. Today, we will take a look at five of these airlines that are currently dominating the skies.
American Airlines
American Airlines is the largest airline in the United States. It has its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas and operates an extensive international and domestic network to more than 350 destinations worldwide. The airline was founded on February 19th 1930 by Ben Braniff as a small regional carrier with only five aircrafts; it has grown into one of America’s biggest airlines today with over 6500 employees and annual revenues exceeding 57 billion dollars (2012). American Airlines currently flies to 209 destinations worldwide including Canada, Mexico, South America and Europe where it serves as one of three main carriers for transatlantic routes alongside Lufthansa Group (Germanwings) and British Airways/Iberia Express(British Airways).
Delta
Delta is the world’s second-largest airline in terms of passengers carried and the world’s largest airline in terms of fleet size. It operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta serves more than 180 million customers each year through its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), making it one of the busiest airports in the world. The airline also has a major presence at London Heathrow, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York City’s John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport
Ryanair
Ryanair is the largest low-cost carrier in Europe. It has a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe, where it operates more than 50 bases with over 400 aircraft. In 2018, Ryanair carried 147 million passengers, an increase of 7% from 2017. The airline has grown steadily since its launch in 1985 and now flies to about 360 destinations across Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and Europe (including 31 countries).
United Airlines
United Airlines is the fourth-largest airline in the world by passenger traffic. The company was founded in 1926 as a charter flight operation, and later expanded its routes to include international destinations. It now operates out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where it has its corporate headquarters. United Airlines has more than 800 aircraft that serve over 200 destinations in 50 countries around the globe. The airline flies daily flights between Los Angeles and New York City; Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO); JFK International Airport (JFK) to Orlando International Airport (MCO); LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Newark Liberty International Airport – John F Kennedy International Airport – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – Dulles International Airport; LaGuardia New York City JFK LaGuardia Flights The company also offers frequent flyer programs including MileagePlus and United Club memberships for customers who travel often with United Airlines or other Star Alliance partners such as Lufthansa German Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost carrier in the United States, with its headquarters located in Dallas, Texas. It operates a fleet of more than 700 aircraft, serving 100 destinations across 40 states and Puerto Rico. Southwest Airlines has been consistently nominated as one of America’s most loved airlines by several publications including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. The airline was established on June 18th 1967 as Air Southwest Co., by Lamar Muse (who also served as its first CEO) with 5 aircraft leased from Braniff International Airways; these were used to operate flights between Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby Airport using a single route map with no direct flights between any two cities served at that time!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the world’s biggest airlines. We also want to give a shoutout to our own Southwest Airlines, which is the only US-based airline on this list!
