List of Major Airlines Worldwide

Major North American Carriers

• The United States is home to the most major airlines as it is the largest market in the world. It is separated from the rest of the world by two oceans making long-haul routes a key factor of the American Air Carrier business model. Based on the number of passengers carried per year, the following are the largest air carriers in North America. No South American carriers make the worldwide major carriers list.

  American Airlines

  Delta Airlines

  Southwest Airlines

  Northwest Airlines

  US Airways

  Continental Airlines

  United Airlines

  Air Canada

  Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air

Major European Carriers

• In Europe, the financial parameters surrounding airlines are completely different. With many airlines being owned by the state, and all budget airlines selling seats for little more than the tax fees thanks to government subsidies, the potential and real profitability of European airlines is often more positive than that of major airlines in the U.S. and elsewhere.

  Deutsche Lufthansa

  Air France/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

  British Airways

  Iberia

  Ryanair

  Scandinavian Airlines SAS

  Easy Jet

Major Asian & Oceanic Carriers

• The major Asian and Oceanic carriers are also state-owned, a fact which makes their size and reach understandable. The full strength of a sovereign government stands begin them. As a result, these flag carriers enjoy a sense of national pride among citizens. Establishing a national airlines has become one of the indicators that a developing nation has arrived on the scene.

  Emirates

  All Nippon Airways

  Cathay Pacific

  Singapore Airlines

  Japan Airlines

  Quantas

  China Southern

  Air China

  Thai Airways

  Korean Air

  Malaysia Airlines

  Saudi Airlines

Africa & South America

• With the majority of Africa and South America considered part of the developing world, no major international airlines serve significantly in these locales. Some second-tier airlines some day may make the leap into the big pool. Possibilities include South African Airways and TAM Brazil Airways. As of now the existing major carriers operate international routes to and from Africa and South America.

Beyond the Major Carriers

• Beyond the major carriers, hundreds of smaller, regional and independent airlines cater to shorter and more locally significant routes around the globe. From the wildernesses of the world to inter-airport shuttles, these airlines serve a vital purpose and often shepherd passengers to and from flights operated by the world's major air carriers.