In this article we are going to list the top 5 richest airlines in the world. For a detailed coverage of this topic and a more comprehensive list please take a look at the top 10 richest airlines in the world.
5. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)
Total cash and cash equivalents of the company (in millions): $11,319
Total net profit of the company (in millions): $280
Gross margin of the company: -0.6%
Total net debt of the company (in millions): $18,987
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) operates close to 5,400 flights daily and has a fleet size of close to 900 aircraft. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) flies to over fifty countries servicing over 350 destinations and operates in several hubs in the United States with the largest being the Atlanta hub. Despite negative gross margins, other income has ensured that Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) was able to turn over a net profit rather than a loss in 2021.
4. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL)
Total cash and cash equivalents of the company (in millions): $12,431
Total net profit of the company (in millions): -$1,964
Gross margin of the company: 2.9%
Total net debt of the company (in millions): $15,080
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is one of the richest airlines in the world, which had a net loss of clost to $2 billion in 2021. While the gross margin of United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is quite low currently, it should pick up in 2023. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is also one of the oldest airlines in the world, having first started operations 96 years ago. The company has a fleet size of more than 850 aircraft and flies to nearly 350 destinations globally.
3. Qatar Airways
Total cash and cash equivalents of the company (in millions): $10,796
Total net profit of the company (in millions): $1,514
Gross margin of the company: 5.6%
Total net debt of the company (in millions): $23,265
Qatar Airways is one of only two airlines in our list which is a private company. Owned by the government of Qatar, Qatar Airways is the country’s flagship air carrier, which is known for its level of luxury. The airline flies to more than 150 destinations across six continents and its base is at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, often said to be the best airport in the world. With more than 200 aircraft, Qatar Airways has over 50,000 employees globally.
2. Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK)
Total cash and cash equivalents of the company (in millions): $3,920
Total net profit of the company (in millions): $478
Gross margin of the company: 21.9%
Total net debt of the company (in millions): $2,069
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) is one of the biggest airlines in North America and is easily one of the richest. Currently, Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) has more than 16,000 employees and the primary hub from which it operates is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) also has one of the highest customer satisfaction scores of any traditional airline in the United States, which, considering the bad rap that airlines get, is a major achievement.
1. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)
Total cash and cash equivalents of the company (in millions): $15,504
Total net profit of the company (in millions): $977
Gross margin of the company: 26.1%
Total net debt of the company (in millions): $0
Surprisingly topping the list of the 10 richest airlines in the world is Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV). It may not have the highest revenue of any airline out there but Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is the only airline among the top 15 in the world to not have any net debt, which is incredible for an airline in 2022. It also had gross margins of 26.1%, again something that most airlines would jump at considering costs have outstripped revenue in most companies. In fact, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) was either first or second in every single category, allowing it to comfortably top the richest airline list.
Please also see 15 Largest Airlines in the World and 11 Best Airline Stocks To Buy Now.
