Top Airlines in the World
Airlines around the world vary widely in terms of service, routes, and passenger experiences, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of global travelers. From budget carriers like Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, which offer cost-effective options for short-haul journeys, to luxury giants like Singapore Airlines and Emirates, known for their premium amenities and exceptional service, the spectrum is broad.
Regional airlines also play a crucial role, offering essential connections within specific areas and contributing to the global aviation ecosystem. The top 200 airlines in the world are ranked based on factors such as safety, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Each airline brings its unique strengths to the industry, collectively making air travel more accessible and varied for millions of people worldwide. Do yo want to know what are the biggest airlines in the world in terms of fleet size and passenger traffic?
Top Airlines in the World
Popular Airlines in the World
-
Japan Airlines (JAL)
The first international airline in Japan was established in 1951 and is now known as Japan Airlines (JAL). As a codeshare partner, JAL links over 349 airports across 54 countries and regions with its modern fleet of over 230 aircraft. It is a member of the oneworld® alliance. Global loyalty program JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) has more than 29 million members globally.
JAL is honoured has all the airlines in the world to have been recognized as the only major international airline to have achieved five consecutive World No. 1 rankings in on-time arrival performance. JAL is also happy to have been crowned an SKYTRAX 5-Star airline for 2018 and 2019, including winning the coveted title of “Best Economy Class in the World.”
JAL, One of the Top Airlines in the World with a long history and a reputation for embodying the spirit of traditional Japanese hospitality, is dedicated to giving customers the best possible service in every area of its business, including flight safety. JAL wants to be the most favoured airline globally by offering a refined travel experience that stimulates your senses.
IATA Designator: JL
Founded year: 1951
ICAO Code: JAL
Reporting Time: check-in 60 minutes before departure time.
Destinations: 349 across 54 countries
Number of Aircraft: 230
Head office: Shinagawa City, Tokyo, JapanInflight Services
1.Cabin Classes:
• First Class
• Business Class (JAL SKY SUITE)
• Premium Economy
• Economy Class
2. Meals and Beverages
3. In-Flight Entertainment
Airport Services:1. Lounges:
• Sakura Lounge
• First Class Lounge
2. Baggage Service
3. Corporate Services
4. Pet Services -
Qatar Airways
The State of Qatar’s official airline, Qatar Airways has its head office in Doha. The airline’s advanced onboard products focus on comfort, exquisite dining, the latest in-flight audio and video entertainment, award-winning service, and a fleet of modern aircraft that is average only 5 years old.
With a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, Qatar Airways offers service to more than 170 important business and vacation destinations across the globe. The airline operates flights to North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Qatar Airways, a multi-award-winning airline, One of the Top Airlines in the World took home the title of “World’s Best Business Class” for the tenth time at the 2023 World Airline Awards, which are directed by Skytrax, a global airline rating agency. The airline, which is still known for its brilliance, won 3 significant honours during 2023 i.e. Best Business Class Lounge, World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining, and Best Airline in the Middle East in the Paris Air Show.
IATA Designator: QR
Founded year: 1993
ICAO Code: QTR
Reporting Time: 3 hours before your departure time.
Destinations: 170 across 90 countries
Number of Aircraft: 200
Head office: Qatar Airways Tower in Doha
Inflight Services:1. Cabin Classes:
• First Class
• Business Class
• Economy Class
2. Dining: Gourmet meals, Beverage Service
3. In-Flight Entertainment
4. Wi-Fi and ConnectivityAirport Services:
1. Lounges:
1. Al Mourjan Business Lounge
2. Al Safwa First Lounge
2. Baggage Service
3. Privilege Club
4. Pet Services
5. Qatar Airways Cargo -
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines commitment to providing excellent customer service has contributed to its success. Gourmet meals prepared by a group of internationally recognized chefs are served on in-flight menus in all service classes, and all passengers have access to the airlines advanced in-flight entertainment system, which provides a large selection of films, music, and games
Singapore Airlines is the national airline of Singapore, with Changi Airport serving as its hub. As a Star Alliance member, the One of the Top Airlines in the World for keeping its dress largely unchanged over the years and highlighting the Singapore Girl as the centrepiece of its corporate branding campaign. Generally acknowledged as one of the top airlines globally, the airline has a 5-star rating.
Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of more than 180 aircrafts variety of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, namely the A350, A380, Boeing 737, Boeing 747 Freighter, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, among others with a combined passenger network that spans more than 120 destinations.
IATA Designator: SQ
Founded year: 1947
ICAO Code: SIA
Reporting Time: 40 minutes before your flight departs.
Destinations: 120 across 35 countries
Number of Aircraft: 180
Head office: Changi, SingaporeInflight Services
1. Cabin Classes:
• Suites
• First Class
• Business Class
• Premium Economy Class
• Economy Class
2. In-Flight Entertainment: KrisWorld, Wi-Fi
3. Dining: Book the Cook, Special Meals, and Wine and Beverage Selection
4. Onboard Lounge
Ground Services:1. Lounges:
3. SilverKris Lounges
4. The Private Room
2. KrisFlyer and PPS Club
3. Chauffeur Service
Special Services:
1. Travel Insurance
2. Group Travel
3. Medical Assistance -
Emirates
Emirates operates advanced, economical, and comfortable aircraft, and our culturally diverse workforce delivers award-winning services to our customers across six continents every day. Emirates links the world through our global hub located in Dubai.
Emirates provides award-winning services to its customers across six continents every day via its fleet of modern, effective, and comfortable aircraft, One of the Top Airlines in the world, which are operated by a culturally diversified crew. With 262 aircraft in its fleet at present, Emirates flies to 152 destinations in 80 countries across six continents.
Emirates is the world’s fourth-largest airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometres flown. It is also the second-largest in terms of freight tonne-kilometers flown. Emirates Group employs over 103,363 staff from more than 160 nationalities, receives tax-free salary and benefits packages, and offers professional development opportunities to further their careers with the organisation.
IATA Designator: EK
Founded year: 1985
ICAO Code: UAE
Reporting Time: 60 minutes before your flight departs.
Destinations: 152 across 80 countries
Number of Aircraft: 262
Head office: DubaiInflight Services:
1. Cabin Classes:
• First Class
• Business Class
• Economy Class
2. In-Flight Entertainment: ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment): Over 4,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, games, and live TV.
3. Dining
4. Wi-fi
Ground Services:1. Chauffeur-Drive Service
2. Airport Lounges
3. Special Assistance:
Additional Services:
1. Baggage
2. Emirates Holidays
3. Emirates SkyCargo
4. Partnerships: Codeshare agreements with other airlines and collaborations with hotels, car rental companies, and more -
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
All Nippon Airways, or ANA, wants to be your tiny oasis in the sky and a bridge to the outside world. One of the Top Airlines in the World Because of this, its large fleet offers a range of cabin options, including First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, allowing you to select the one that best suits your particular requirements. Japan’s top airlines, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, are renowned for their exceptional service and reliability.
ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has become the largest airline in Japan, ANA has grown to be the biggest airline in Japan and among the biggest in Asia, with 118 domestic and 82 international routes. With ANA’s special dual hub strategy, travellers can reach Tokyo and make connections via Haneda and Narita, the city’s two airports.
It also provides same-day connections to cities in China, Asia, and North America. Star Alliance has included ANA as a member since 1999. the airline has approximately 12,800 employees. ANA also operates a fleet of six freighter aircraft as of May 2021, including 2 Boeing 777F and four Boeing 767-300ER(BCF) aircraft. ANA’s freighters operate on 18 international routes and 6 domestic routes.
IATA Designator: EK
Founded year: 1985
ICAO Code: UAE
Reporting Time: 60 minutes before your flight departs.
Destinations: 152 across 80 countries
Number of Aircraft: 262
Head office: DubaiInflight Services
1. Cabin Classes:
• First Class
• Business Class
• Premium Economy
• Economy Class
2. In-Flight Entertainment: Personal screens with a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games and wi-fi services on select flights
3. Meals and Beverages
Ground Services:1. Check-In:
• Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure.
• Self-service kiosks at airports.
2. Lounge Access
3. Baggage services
Additional Services:1. Frequent Flyer Program (ANA Mileage Club)
2. Special Assistance
3. Partnerships and Codeshare Agreements
4. Travel Extras:
• Hotel and car rental booking services.
• Travel insurance options. -
Cathay Pacific Airways
The flag carrier of Hong Kong is Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CPA), or Cathay Pacific to the general public. It was founded in the year 1946 by American Roy C. Farrell and Australian Sydney H. de Kantzow and its headquarters and primary hub are located in Hong Kong International Airport. With codeshares and joint partnerships, the airline’s operations and its subsidiaries offer scheduled passenger and cargo services to more than 200 destinations and more than 60 countries worldwide.
Boeing 777, Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and A321neo aircraft make up Cathay Pacific’s fleet. Cathay Cargo operates two models of Boeing 747. The number of aircraft in Cathay Pacific is 222. It is among Oneworld’s original members, the airline has received a 5-star rating and has been named the finest airline in the world by Skytrax 4 times. According to traffic, it was the 19th-biggest airline group in the world in 2018. It was one of the top eight airlines in the world as of 2023.
Cathay Pacific Airways also has codeshare agreements with various airline companies which are Emirates Airlines, Air Arabia, Austrian Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, Mahan Airways, and Libyan Airlines. Various flights to India are also operated by it.
IATA Designator
CX
Founded year: 1946
ICAO Code: CPA
Reporting Time: 90 minutes before your flight departs.
Destinations: 200 across 80 countries
Number of Aircraft: 222
Head office: Hong Kong
Inflight Services:• Seating Classes: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.
• In-Flight Entertainment: Personal screens with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
• Wi-Fi: Available on most long-haul flights.
• Meals: A variety of meals catering to different dietary requirements, including special meals upon request.
• Amenities: Comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and amenity kits in premium classes.
Ground Services:• Lounges: Access to Cathay Pacific lounges at various airports for Business and First-Class passengers and Marco Polo Club members.
• Check-In Options: Online check-in, mobile check-in, and airport check-in.
• Baggage Services: Generous baggage allowance and handling services.
Special Assistance:
• Travel Assistance: Services for passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and those needing special medical assistance.
• Travel Insurance: Options to purchase travel insurance for additional protection. -
Turkish Airlines
The national airline of Turkey is Turkish Airlines. It will be the world’s largest mainline carrier by passenger destinations as of 2024, with scheduled routes to 340 locations in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. The airline travels to more countries than any other airline and serves more destinations nonstop from a single airport than any other airline in the world.
The Turkish Airlines, One of the Top Airlines in the World journey started in 1933 to bring people, cultures, continents, nations, and cities together while offering everyone novel, inspirational travel experiences. In December 2006, Turkish Airlines became the sixth European airline among the 20 members of the Star Alliance. The airline’s head office is located in the Turkish Airlines General Management Building in Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 457 aircraft The Airline Passenger Experience Association has given it multiple “Passenger Choice Awards” (APEX). Turkish Airlines was crowned “Best Airline in Europe” by Skytrax in 2014 for the fourth year in a row. For its Comfort Class seats, Turkish Airlines received the title of “Best Premium Economy Seats in the world” from Skytrax.
IATA Designator: TK
Founded year: 1933
ICAO Code: THY
Reporting Time: 2 hours before your flight departs.
Destinations: 340 across 130 countries
Number of Aircraft: 457
Head office: IstanbulInflight Services
:Cabin Classes
• Business Class: Lie-flat seats, personal in-flight entertainment, gourmet meals, and priority services.
• Economy Class: Comfortable seating, personal in-flight entertainment, and a variety of meal options.
2. In-Flight Entertainment: A wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games available on personal screens.
3. Meals and Beverages: A variety of international and Turkish cuisine options, including special meals for dietary requirements.
Ground Services
• Lounges
• Check-In Options:Frequent Flyer Program
• Miles&Smiles: Earn miles on flights and with partner companies, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other rewards.
Additional Services
• Special Assistance
• Wi-Fi on Board
• Corporate Club
• Stopover Service
• Tour Istanbul -
EVA Airways
Based in Taoyuan City, EVA Airways is an international airline from Taiwan. Along with the state-owned China Airlines, it is one of the two biggest airlines in Taiwan. The privately held airline flies to more than 190 worldwide locations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America with dedicated passenger and freight services. There are no domestic routes on its network; all routes are international.
Since 1989, EVA Air has been committed to growing its service portfolio as a loyal supporter of innovation. The industry’s highest honour, a 5-star SKYTRAX airline rating, was given to EVA Air in June 2016. EVA Air was placed eighth out of the “World’s Top 10 Airlines” by SKYTRAX, which unveiled its 2024 World Airline Awards on June 24, 2024. EVA also placed third for best premium economy class airlines worldwide and fourth for best airline cabin crew worldwide.
EVA is also a Star Alliance member. Through Star Alliance. The fleet of EVA Air is a combination of Boeing and Airbus models, with the Boeing 777, 787, ATR 72, and A330 airliners primarily used on passenger routes, along with Boeing 777 freighter aircraft used on cargo routes.
IATA Designator: BR
Founded year: 1989
ICAO Code: EVA
Reporting Time: 1 hour before your flight departs.
Destinations: 1300 across 190 countries
Number of Aircraft: 84
Head office: EVA Air Building, in Luzhu, Taoyuan City
Inflight Services:1. Cabin Classes:
• Royal Laurel Class (Business
• Premium Laurel Class
• Business Class
• Premium Economy Class
• Economy Class
2. Entertainment
3. Dining
4. Wi-fi and connectivity
Ground Services:1. Check-In Options
2. Lounge Access
3. Bagagge Services
Special Assistance:
1. Pet Travel
2. Passengers with Disabilities -
Air France
Air France was established in 1933 and has provided a distinctive travel experience for its customers on its planes, which are part of a broad global network. Air France, One of the Top Airlines in the World which is organized around three primary operations—passenger transportation, cargo handling, and aircraft maintenance—has grown to be a significant force in the aviation sector. As an ambassador for France, Air France provides first-rate service while showcasing the nation’s skills.
The flag carrier of France, AIRFRANCE, has its headquarters in Tremblay, France. Every day, Air France flies through France, Europe, and beyond. One of the top European aviation groups has been formed since 2004 by the combination of Air France and KLM. From their hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, the Air France-KLM Group offers its customers access to a network covering 312 destinations in 116 countries.Air France is regularly recognised with awards in a variety of fields and all regions of the world.
Skytrax World Airline Awards ranking:
• Best Airline in Western Europe
First place in two categories linked to La Première service:
• Best First-Class Airline Lounge Catering,
• Best First-Class Onboard Catering.
9th best airline in the world
World Travel Awards• Best European airline
• Best First Class
• Best Brand
IATA Designator: AF
Founded year: 1993
ICAO Code: AFR
Reporting Time: 3 hours before your flight departs.
Destinations: 312 across 116 countries
Number of Aircraft: 223
Head office: Tremblay
Inflight Services:1. Classes of Services:
• La Première (First Class)
• Business Class
• Premium Economy Class
• Economy Class
2. Entertaining
3. Dining
4. Wi-fi
Ground Services:1. Reception
2. Sitting room Access
3. Luggage Services -
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
The national airline of Switzerland, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) founded on 31 March 2002, in Bern, Switzerland, it operates 107 aircraft and serves over 100 destinations across 43 countries from Zurich and Geneva. It carries about 16.5 million passengers annually. One of the Top Airlines in the World, SWISS It operates scheduled services in Europe and North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Zurich Airport serves as its main hub and Geneva Airport as its secondary hub.
Being Switzerland’s airline, SWISS is identical to classic Swiss ideals. As it has always done, the business is committed to providing the best quality possible for all of its goods and services. SWISS is ideally suited to be as close to its clients as possible and cater to their specific needs thanks to its controllable medium size.
As part of its corporate culture, SWISS considers environmental responsibility to be fundamental to its operations and is dedicated to the wise and sustainable use of natural resources.Being a part of the Star Alliance and the Lufthansa Group, SWISS is committed to fulfilling its goal of connecting Switzerland with the rest of the world and Europe by offering high-quality aviation services.
IATA Designator: LX
Founded year: 2002
ICAO Code: SWR
Reporting Time: 3 hours before your flight departs.
Destinations: 100 across 43 countries
Number of Aircraft: 107
Head office: Basel, Switzerland
Inflight Services:Economy Class
•Comfortable seating with adjustable headrests
• In-flight entertainment system
• Complimentary meals and beverages
• Wi-Fi available for purchase on long-haul flightsBusiness Class
• Spacious seats that convert into fully flat beds
• Access to SWISS lounges
• Enhanced in-flight dining experience with a choice of meals
• Priority boarding and baggage handling
• Amenity kits with travel essentialsFirst Class
• Private suites with fully flat beds
• Exclusive access to First Class lounges
• Gourmet dining with a la carte menu options
• Personal concierge service
• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handlingIn-Flight Entertainment
• Wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games
• In-seat power outlets and USB ports
• On-demand entertainment system
Additional Services:• Frequent Flyer Program
• Lounges
• Family Services
• Pet Travel
• Assistance Services