Determining the "richest" airline is tricky as wealth can be measured in different ways. However, we can consider several factors:
By Market Capitalization:
- American Airlines Group (AAL) is often considered the richest airline based on its market capitalization, currently exceeding $15 billion.
- Delta Air Lines (DAL), with a market cap around $40 billion, is another strong contender.
- United Airlines Holdings (UAL), with a market cap exceeding $20 billion, is also a major player in the airline industry.
By Revenue:
- American Airlines Group (AAL) generated over $50 billion in revenue in 2022, making it the highest-earning airline globally.
- Delta Air Lines (DAL) followed closely with over $50 billion in revenue.
- United Airlines Holdings (UAL) reported over $45 billion in revenue in 2022.
By Net Income:
- Delta Air Lines (DAL) consistently ranks among the most profitable airlines globally, with a net income exceeding $7 billion in 2022.
- American Airlines Group (AAL) also recorded significant profits, exceeding $5 billion in 2022.
- United Airlines Holdings (UAL) generated over $3 billion in net income in 2022.
While market capitalization, revenue, and net income can be used to assess an airline's wealth, it's important to consider other factors like assets, cash flow, and debt levels for a complete picture.
Ultimately, the "richest" airline depends on how wealth is defined. However, based on the metrics mentioned above, American Airlines Group (AAL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) consistently rank among the top contenders.
