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Over the past several decades, the commercial aviation industry has undergone numerous changes. For example, the industry changed drastically in the 1950s when airlines around the world helped to shuttle in the jet age of the commercial aviation industry, flying aircraft like the Boeing 707 or the Douglas DC-8. Additionally, with the introduction of widebody airliners, such as the Boeing 747, the industry further changed, as these new aircraft allowed for long-haul flights around the world. As a result, demand for air travel has increased steadily since the mid-to-late 20th century. Globalization and emerging markets have contributed to this growth, alongside the deregulation of airspace and other significant factors in the industry. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has once again continued to increase in recent years. Airlines around the world are responding with revised route strategies and fleet modernization. Let's take a closer look at some of these airlines that are adapting their strategies to remain competitive in the commercial aviation sector, as well as the largest airline in the world by the number of its flights. The Airline With The Most Flights In 2025 According to Cirium, the airline with the most flights in 2025 is American Airlines. By the end of this year, the carrier is projected to record a staggering 2,261,194 flights. These flights are capable of flying just under 280 million passengers and also amount to 303 billion available seat miles (ASMs). American was also the airline that flew the most flights in 2024. However, the airline saw a slight increase from its 2,177,433 flights recorded last year. This makes American Airlines the largest airline in the world in terms of passengers carried, annual flights, and daily flights. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is able to achieve these staggering numbers with the help of its regional subsidiaries operating under its brand American Eagle. American operates an extensive domestic and international network, which includes over 6,750 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations. These destinations are located in just under 50 different countries. Furthermore, American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, one of the world's three major airline alliances, which helps expand the airline's reach globally. The airline also has several major hubs in the United States at the following airports: The Most Popular American Airlines Routes Because American Airlines is headquartered in the Fort Worth, Texas, area, it makes sense that the airline flies some of its most popular routes from its main hub, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The airline's most popular flight connects DFW to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas. According to Cirium, the airline will operate just over 4,800 flights on this route in 2025, which will include nearly 700,000 total seats. Many of the airline's other popular flights also originate from DFW. However, these flights connect Dallas to other major American Airlines hubs. According to Cirium, this includes the following flights in 2025: American Airlines also operates another popular flight to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. This operation will record over 4,110 flights in 2025. Beyond the airline's flights from DFW, American Airlines operates several other major routes from other hubs. One of the airline's most popular routes connects Charlotte, NC, to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida. A Brief History Of American Airlines American Airlines has grown to become the largest airline in the world in recent years. However, the airline has been around for nearly 100 years, dating back to the early days of commercial aviation. The company was formed in 1930 as a result of the consolidation of more than 80 small airlines. Originally, the airline was named American Airways, but it would later be rebranded as American Airlines in 1934. After World War II, American Airlines expanded rapidly, pioneering many innovations in the commercial aviation industry. This includes the launch of the first frequent flyer program, the launch of the SABRE computer reservation system in the 1960s, and becoming a major user of the hub-and-spoke airline model. The airline was also an advocate for the industry's deregulation in the 1970s, which enabled airlines to compete more freely on routes and pricing. However, in the 2000s, American Airlines faced significant challenges. During the decline of the commercial industry following the 9/11 attacks and the 2008 financial crisis, the airline faced serious financial struggles. In 2011, the airline was forced to file for bankruptcy. However, just two years later, American Airlines merged with US Airways to form the world's largest airline, a title that the airline still competes for today. A Closer Look At The American Airlines Fleet In 2025 Over the years, American Airlines has operated a diverse fleet of aircraft. This includes early jet airliners, such as the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8. The airline flew several other McDonnell Douglas airliners and early Boeing models as well. Before the jet age, Boeing operated some propeller-driven aircraft, including the Convair CV-240, the Douglas DC-3, the Douglas DC-6, and the Lockheed L-188A Electra. However, in recent years, American Airlines has operated some of the world's most prominent aircraft. In recent months, American Airlines received its 1,000th mainline aircraft, making it the second-largest airline in terms of active aircraft, trailing only United Airlines. This aircraft, a Boeing 787-9, was another widebody addition to the airline's fleet. According to ch-aviation, American Airlines operates the following widebody aircraft in its active fleet: American Airlines also operates a diverse fleet of narrowbody aircraft. The airline is a popular operator of the Boeing 737 series. According to ch-aviation, the airline currently flies the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and the 737-800, with an order for over 100 737 MAX 10 aircraft. However, the airline also operates a fleet of Airbus narrowbody aircraft. This includes the A319-100, the A320-200, the A321-200, the A321-200neo, and the A321-200XLR. How The Other Domestic Airlines Fair In Terms Of The Number Of Flights Several other major US-based airlines are expected to have a significant number of flights in 2025. The second-largest airline in terms of annual flights in 2025 is Delta Air Lines. The Atlanta, Georgia-based carrier is scheduled to fly just over 1.8 million flights. These flights will account for just under 250 million total seats and just over 300 billion ASMs. United Airlines is the third-largest airline in terms of total flights in 2025. According to Cirium, United Airlines will fly a total of 1,735,538 flights. These flights will account for over 225 million seats and over 333 ASMs. Finally, the fourth-largest airline in the world in terms of total flights is Southwest Airlines. Although this airline flies to mostly domestic destinations, it also flies to multiple Caribbean and Central American destinations. According to Cirium, Southwest Airlines is expected to fly a total of 1,423,239 flights. This will account for just under 230 million seats and over 180 billion ASMs. Alaska Airlines is another large domestic carrier, although it is projected to be just outside the top 10 in terms of number of flights in 2025. Other Global Airlines With A Significant Number Of Flights Although US-based airlines account for the top four largest airlines in terms of number of flights, several other global carriers operate a significant number of flights. The fifth-largest airline in terms of flights in 2025 is Ryanair. This Irish ultra-low-cost airline is the only other airline projected to fly over one million flights, with Cirium forecasting approximately 1,116,901 total flights in 2025. These flights will record over 213 million seats and 168 billion ASMs. Several Chinese airlines find themselves near the top of the list. China Eastern Airlines will fly 893,000 flights, China Southern Airlines will fly 836,000 flights, and Air China will fly 634,000 flights. IndiGo, which is based in India, is the eighth-largest airline in terms of number of flights, projected to fly just over 800,000 total flights in 2025.
