Airline Aircraft Fleet Guide

Overview of Commercial Aircraft Orders

Over the past 25 years, there have been several significant commercial aircraft orders that have made headlines in the airline industry. These orders reflect the continuous growth and modernization of airlines.

Indigo Partners' Airbus A320neo Order

One noteworthy order came in 2017 when US private equity fund Indigo Partners placed a substantial order for Airbus A320neo aircraft. Valued at $49.5 billion, this was Airbus' largest order to date. The order included 430 aircraft, with 274 A320neos and 156 larger A321neos.

United Airlines' Boeing 787 Dreamliner and MAX Order

In 2022, United Airlines made headlines with its order for 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, along with an option for 100 more. Additionally, they placed an order for 100 MAX narrow-body aircraft. This order, totaling over $37 billion at list price, showcases United Airlines' commitment to fleet expansion and modernization.

Air India's Record-Breaking Purchase

In February 2023, Air India made history with the largest airplane purchase ever seen in aviation industry. Their order included close to 500 planes from both Boeing and Airbus, with an estimated cost of approximately $85 billion. With this strategic move, Air India aims to challenge domestic giant IndiGo and regain its position as the country's largest airline. The order consists of 220 planes from Boeing and 250 planes from Airbus, which will be assembled in Europe.

These substantial aircraft orders reflect the industry's continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, passenger experience, and sustainability through the adoption of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

Airline Fleets

Now let's take a closer look at the aircraft types used by the top 10 largest airlines worldwide, along with the numbers of planes they have for each type.

1. American Airlines

American Airlines operates a diverse fleet, including Boeing and Airbus aircraft. They have a significant number of Boeing 737s, along with various models of Airbus A320 family aircraft.

2. Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines predominantly operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft, such as the A320 and A321. They also have a sizable fleet of Boeing 737s and 767s.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines operates a fleet consisting of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. They have a significant number of Boeing 737s, along with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A320 family aircraft.

4. Lufthansa

Lufthansa's fleet primarily consists of Airbus aircraft, including various models of the A320 and A330. They also have a notable number of Boeing 747s and 777s.

5. Emirates

Emirates Airlines, one of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, operates an extensive fleet primarily comprised of wide-body aircraft. They have a significant number of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, and the latest addition to their fleet, the Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

6. China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines boasts a diverse fleet, consisting mainly of Airbus A320 family aircraft and Boeing 737s. They also have a considerable number of wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s.

7. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is renowned for its all-Boeing fleet. They have a vast number of Boeing 737s, making it the largest operator of this aircraft type in the world.

8. Air France

Air France operates a fleet predominantly comprised of Airbus aircraft, including various models of the A320 and A350. They also have a significant number of Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners.

9. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines operates a diverse fleet that includes both Boeing and Airbus aircraft. They have a substantial number of Boeing 737s, along with Airbus A320 family aircraft and wide-body planes such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777.

10. Qantas

Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, has a fleet predominantly comprised of Boeing aircraft. They have a notable number of Boeing 737s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Additionally, they operate the iconic Boeing 747 on select routes.

Airline Fleets by Aircraft Manufacturers

Boeing

• American Airlines: Boeing 737 (304), 777 (47), 787 (20)
• Delta Air Lines: Boeing 737 (166), 767 (97), 717 (91), 757 (81), 777 (18)
• United Airlines: Boeing 737 (299), 767 (51), 777 (29), 787 (31)

Airbus

• Emirates: Airbus A380 (118), Boeing 777 (151)
• Lufthansa: Airbus A320 (96), A321 (71), A319 (48), A350 (16), A330 (15)
• Air France: Airbus A320 (51), A321 (19), A319 (35), A330 (15), A380 (10)
• Southwest Airlines: Boeing 737 (729)
• Ryanair: Boeing 737 (470)
• China Southern Airlines: Boeing 737 (166), Airbus A320 (136), A321 (80), A330 (43), A380 (5)

These examples provide insights into the diverse range of aircraft types utilized by airlines, with Boeing and Airbus being the primary manufacturers. Each airline carefully selects specific aircraft models based on operational requirements, passenger capacity needs, and long-term strategies. The constant advancements in aircraft technology offer airlines opportunities to optimize their fleets, reduce fuel consumption, and provide a superior travel experience to passengers in terms of comfort, connectivity, and sustainability.