Largest Commercial Aviation Companies Globally Ranked
The global airline industry continues to grow, with a total worth of $686 billion in 2020. Among the numerous players, some stand out as the largest in terms of scheduled passenger-kilometers flown. According to the latest 2025 data from Cirium, here are the top 10 largest airlines in the world, ranked by Available Seat Kilometers (ASK).
The Leading Players
- Ryanair - With the largest ASK, Ryanair leads the ranking of the world's largest airlines. Known for its low-cost model, Ryanair operates a vast network of routes, making it a dominant player in the European market.
- Southwest Airlines - Coming in second place, Southwest Airlines is a major player in the United States. With a strong focus on low fares and customer service, it has built a loyal customer base and an extensive route network.
- Delta Air Lines - In third place, Delta Air Lines is another major player in the US market. It offers a wide range of services and has a strong international presence, making it a significant player in the global aviation industry.
The Remaining Top 10
Unfortunately, the exact complete top 10 list by ASK was not included verbatim in the search results. However, other major airlines often in the top 10 by ASK include:
- American Airlines - Founded in 2013 through the integration of AMR Corporation and US Airways Group, American Airlines is the largest airline company by fleet size, brand value, passengers carried, and scheduled passenger-kilometers flown.
- United Airlines - Established in 1926, United Airlines is the second largest airline company by scheduled passenger-kilometers flown, with 385 billion kilometers.
- Emirates - Serving 157 destinations with a fleet of 251 aircraft, Emirates is the 5th largest airline company by scheduled passenger-kilometers flown.
- China Southern Airlines - As the largest airline in Asia, China Southern Airlines operates in more than 200 destinations and has a fleet size of over 625 aircraft.
- China Eastern Airlines - With a fleet of 581 aircraft, China Eastern Airlines serves in more than 240 destinations.
- Lufthansa Group - The fourth largest airlines in the world, Lufthansa Group has a fleet size of 763 aircraft and serves worldwide with its more than 60,000 employees.
Although the exact 2025 rankings beyond the top 3 should be confirmed via Cirium or similar up-to-date industry data sources, these airlines are typically among the top 10 by ASK.
In summary, the global airline industry is dominated by a handful of large players. The top 10 airlines by scheduled passenger-kilometers flown, according to the latest 2025 data from Cirium, are led by Ryanair, followed by Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Other major global carriers, such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Emirates, China Southern, China Eastern, and Lufthansa, are typically among the top 10 as well.
Travel is a significant part of the lifestyle for many people, as evidenced by the continued growth of the global airline industry. The leading airlines in terms of scheduled passenger-kilometers flown include Ryanair, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, although other major global carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, Emirates, China Southern, China Eastern, and Lufthansa are also typically among the top 10.
