The global aviation industry operates on a huge scale, moving millions of passengers and tons of cargo every single day. Its financial success depends on several factors, including route choices, passenger volume, and fuel management.
Looking at the four quarters from Q3 2025 through Q2 2026, a clear group of airlines pulled in the most revenue worldwide. American carriers dominate the top of the list, helped by strong domestic travel and profitable international routes. European and Asian airlines follow closely, each shaped by their own regional strengths.
In this gallery, we provide an overview of 15 major airlines from around the world and how their operations generate income. Click on to take a closer look at each one.
All figures are in USD.