Aviation

The coronavirus pandemic hit the aviation industry hard, erasing two decades of global passenger traffic growth in just a few months. Stringent measures implemented by governments worldwide to keep the pandemic under control resulted in a substantial decline of 65.9 percent in air traffic. Nevertheless, by the end of 2020, the industry began displaying initial signs of recovery and has been gradually rebounding since then, despite the persistent effects of the ongoing coronavirus situation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and escalating energy and fuel prices. Despite the challenges faced in recent years, the resilience of the air transport industry has become evident in 2022. In comparison to March 2022, there has been a notable increase of 69 percent in international revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) for international airline markets as of March 2023.

Market size

How big is the airline industry?

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

Please wait

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 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Please wait

Further details: Visit original statistic Worldwide revenue of cargo airlines from 2004 to 2022 (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

Please wait

Further details: Visit original statistic Low cost carriers' worldwide market share from 2006 to 2020

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 2023, ranked by brand value (in million U.S. dollars)

Please wait

Further details: Visit original statistic Leading airlines worldwide in 2023, 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)

Please wait

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"

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)