The title of “world’s largest airline” is a hotly-contested one, as many large airlines around the world vie for the crown. But according to recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), American Airlines Group Inc. is currently the world’s largest airline in terms of total passenger miles flown and number of passengers carried per annum.
American Airlines Group was formed in 2013 following the merger between AMR Corporation (parent company of American Airlines) and US Airways. The new entity that resulted from this landmark transaction has since gone on to become one of the most influential airlines in international aviation history. With an incredible fleet size comprising more than 950 aircraft and spanning over 330 destinations worldwide, American Airlines Group currently has the capacity to carry more than 200 million passengers per year.
American Airlines Group’s status as the world’s largest airline is due in part to its dominance of North American air routes, but it is also active on international routes across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. The airline’s route network covers destinations spanning an incredible 5 continents and includes major hubs such as London Heathrow Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Johannesburg International Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport.
The company also has a long history of successful fleet management, which has allowed it to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of the global aviation industry. In 2019 alone, it added new aircraft models such as Airbus A321neos, Embraer E190s and Boeing 737 MAXs to its fleet. Furthermore, American Airlines Group has taken bold steps in the area of environmental sustainability, having recently announced a plan to cut carbon emissions 50 percent by the year 2050.
The success of American Airlines Group is indicative of the rapid growth seen in today’s aviation industry. With ongoing innovations in technology, airport infrastructure and flight operations, it is likely that the company will remain one of the world’s largest airlines for many years to come. As such, it can be said with confidence that American Airlines Group is currently the world’s largest airline in terms of total passenger miles flown and number of passengers carried per annum.
