The aviation industry has always been a troubled one, with airlines standby on their toes to try and turn a revenue. While the last two years have been tough, to say the least, it is notable to look back at the most profitable airline and airline groups before the pandemic. Here are the top five.

Airlines that bring in the most money

5- American Airlines

Joining the list at number five is Fort Worth-based American Airlines. While American may be the biggest airline by different measures, such as fleet size, it’s not in terms of revenues. The carrier determination a net income of $1.69 billion in 2019, on the back of statistics of $45.7 billion in this year year. Since the pandemic, American has simplified operations and is hoping to scale down long-term costs, hopefully aiding its profit margins in the future as well.

4-Southwest Airlines

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines may not be famous outside North America, but the low-cost major has a history of delivering gainful results. In 2019, Southwest reported a net revenues of $2.3 billion, continuing a five-decade trace of profitability. While the pandemic has pulled the carrier into the red for the first time in memory, there is little suspicion they will bounce back soon.

3- International Airlines Group (IAG)

this Spanish group is the nerve that works  behind British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and several other European airline companies. The group brought up in €2.4 billion ($2.5bn) in 2019, with premium travel and summer demand driving up numbers across its airline portfolio. The massive revenus put IAG ahead of its main European competitors, but the pandemic has taken a toll on the group, and its recuperation is looking long-winded for now.

2- United Airlines

Chicago-based United Airlines reported a net income of $3 billion in 2019, cementing its status as one of the biggest players in the aviation industry. This was backed by a staggering $41 billion in revenue for the carrier, as corporate travel and strong global demand showed no signs of slowing. While the pandemic has changed things drastically, United will undoubtedly be hoping to return to its glory days as soon as possible.

1- Delta Air Lines

The prize for the most gainful airline in the world goes to none other than Delta Air Lines. The Atlanta-based megacarrier recorded a net revenue of $4.76 billion in 2019 with a profit of $47 billion, a huge margin of 10%. Given the pressures of fuel prices and different other factors, Delta’s 10% profit margin is considered a benchmark and sets the airline apart from its race in the US. With the pandemic now recession, Delta will be hoping its long-range wagers will start to pay off and it can return to massive revenues soon.

 

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