Aviation

Mobility is an essential component of everyday life. Being able to travel from one place to another or get services from other parts of the globe opens up new possibilities for people. The aviation industry connects people in a way that no other mode of transportation can. People and goods can travel distances of kilometers within a few hours with a plane. Furthermore, the aviation industry is a significant contributor to global economics. In 2023, the estimated global market size of the global airline industry was 762.8 billion U.S. dollars. This was considerably higher than the values registered during the coronavirus pandemic years.

The aviation industry is currently concerned with the decarbonization of operations. The airlines are attempting to devise the most effective strategy for achieving the Net Zero objectives by 2050. Net zero refers to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere to a minimal level that can be absorbed by nature. To address this,

Market size

How big is the airline industry?

Market size of the airline industry worldwide from 2018 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Market size of the airline industry worldwide from 2018 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The airline industry is one of the most rapidly expanding transportation sectors in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The industry has shown moderate signs of recovery from the impact of COVID-19, gradually returning to its pre-pandemic state. In 2023, the market size of the airline industry was estimated to be slightly below 814.5 billion U.S. dollars, representing a modest decline of three percent compared to the 2019 level.



Market segments

Air cargo is performing better than the passenger sector

Worldwide revenue of cargo airlines from 2004 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Worldwide revenue of cargo airlines from 2004 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Air cargo was a source of oxygen for airlines in the context of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite facing challenges associated with the ongoing global impact of the pandemic and disrupted trade flows due to the Russia-Ukraine war, air cargo continues to serve as a promising sector for airlines. However, freight volumes were anticipated to decline by eight percent in 2022 due to global headwinds.


U.S. air trade with NAFTA partners

Industry trends

The rapid rise of low-cost carriers

Low cost carriers' worldwide market share from 2006 to 2020

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In the past decade, there has been a notable rise in the market share of low-cost carriers within the global air industry. In South East Asia, LCCs have gained significant prominence, accounting for more than 50 percent of the market in 2022. Major players, such as Ryanair and Southwest, are leading the low-cost category. Among the LCCs, numerous carriers charge supplementary fees for various services. By implementing these additional charges, airlines aim to bolster their financial performance.

Southwest Airlines
Ryanair

Industry leaders

The most profitable airlines in the world

Leading airlines worldwide in 2024, ranked by brand value (in million U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Leading airlines worldwide in 2024, ranked by brand value (in million U.S. dollars)

In 2022, Delta Air Lines was the largest airline group, generating revenue of 29.9 billion U.S. dollars. The airline company is one of the largest domestic airlines in the United States, with a market share of 17.3 percent that year. Furthermore, the company demonstrated its strength in the industry by presenting a brand value amounting to 7.3 billion U.S. dollars.

Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Lufthansa

Regional overview

What is the largest air passenger market?

Projected air passenger traffic in selected markets in 2037, based on passenger volume (in million passengers)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Projected air passenger traffic in selected markets in 2037, based on passenger volume (in million passengers)

The United States, China, India, and the European Union hold significant positions as key markets for air travel. Among these, the U.S. domestic market stands out as the largest air travel market worldwide, with 666 million air passengers traveling in the region in 2021. The country is home to some of the world’s busiest airports. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) kept its top spot as the busiest airport.


Civil aviation in China
Air transport industry in Germany

State of the industry

  • Air transportation worldwide
  • Passenger airlines worldwide
  • Low-cost carrier market worldwide
  • Transportation: Air in Europe - Industry Insights and Data Analysis
  • Passenger airlines in Europe
  • Air cargo industry worldwide
  • Environmental impact of the aviation industry worldwide
  • Coronavirus: impact on the aviation industry worldwide
  • Green aviation
  • British Airways
  • easyJet

Industry definition

The aviation industry comprises all features of mechanical air transportation carried out using an aircraft and all activities that facilitate it. Statista provides information about passenger airlines, freight forwarders, and related infrastructure, such as airports within this sector. Global, regional, and country-scale data is available, including information on the largest players and airline rankings.

More interesting topics from the industry "Aviation"

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