The commercial air transport sector is going through a critical moment; companies in the sector have resorted to risky and creative strategies to stay in operation, while others have been forced to close down and declare bankruptcy; however, some have been able to overcome the situation, and today, they stand out as the most valuable air transport companies.
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An industry with plenty of competition
It is merit as an airline to stand out in the aeronautical environment, looking at the numbers, currently, there are at least 2,000 airlines in operations, and we must count that many disappeared in the midst of the crisis that began in 2020. In 2019, it was estimated that the commercial airline industry came to participate with 1% of GDP internationally, which reflects the importance of the sector, and the quality and effort of its participants.
The top 7 airlines by stock market value
7 China Southern
Market capitalization by March 2021: 14,911 million dollars. China Southern Airlines is the airline with the largest fleet in Asia and the largest in China in terms of passenger traffic, was founded in 1988, and currently operates at least 200 destinations daily.
6 American Airlines Group
Market capitalization by March 2021: 15,973 million dollars. American Airlines is considered the air transportation company with the largest number of passengers; however, it has been severely affected by the Covid-19 health crisis. It originated in 1930 as American Airways and currently operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
5 Air China
Market capitalization by March 2021: 18,012 million dollars. It is the state-owned airline of the People’s Republic of China. It began operations on July 1, 1988, and is part of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. Furthermore, it has a fleet of around 440 aircraft operating 185 destinations around the world.
4 United Airlines
Market capitalization for March 2021: 19,354 million dollars. United Airlines is a subsidiary of United Airlines Holdings, and as Air China is part of the Star Alliance. The airline currently has a fleet of 802 units and operates flights to 342 different destinations.
3 Ryanair
Market capitalization by March 2021: 21,939 million dollars. It is a “low cost” or simply economic airline of Irish origin. It was founded by Tony Ryan in 1985. Likewise, it is the low-cost airline that operates most flights in Europe.
2 Delta Airlines
Market capitalization by March 2021: 31,231 million dollars. Delta Air Lines is a founding member of Sky Team, an alliance of several airlines from around the world, including Aeroméxico, Air France, and Korean Air. Delta Air Lines’ fleet is estimated to exceed 700 aircraft. It is headquartered at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.
1 Southwest Airlines
Market capitalization by March 2021: 36,031 million dollars. Southwest is a low-cost airline. It was founded on June 18, 1971. As of April 2017, it operated approximately 3900 daily flights. It has a fleet of approximately 739 aircraft consisting exclusively of Boeing 737s, making it the airline with the most Boeing 737s in the world, although it has occasionally leased some other aircraft models.
What do you think about this topic?, have you traveled on any of the 7 most valuable airlines?
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