The airline industry is a major global employer, providing jobs to millions of people across different sectors, from pilots and flight attendants to ground crew and corporate staff. Among publicly traded airlines, some stand out for their revenue, fleet size, and workforce.
- U.S. airlines dominate the list, with American, United, Delta, and Southwest among the top 10.
- China has a strong presence, with three major airlines employing significant workforces.
- European airlines Lufthansa and Air France-KLM remain major employers, while Turkish Airlines is expanding rapidly.
- Stock prices vary widely, with U.S. airlines generally commanding higher valuations than their Chinese and European counterparts.
Here’s a look at the top 10 publicly traded airlines by the number of employees.
1. American Airlines (USA) – 134,200 Employees
American Airlines leads the list with 134,200 employees. As one of the world’s largest airlines by fleet size and passenger volume, its vast workforce supports operations across multiple continents. Despite its dominant position, its stock price ($15.97) is significantly lower than some of its competitors.
2. United Airlines Holdings (USA) – 106,500 Employees
United Airlines ranks second with 106,500 employees. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network, and its stock price ($104.26) reflects investor confidence, with a notable 3.34% increase today.
3. Delta Air Lines (USA) – 100,000 Employees
Delta Air Lines employs 100,000 people, placing it third on this list. Known for strong operational performance and customer service, Delta’s stock price ($65.39) has seen a 2.08% rise today.
4. Lufthansa (Germany) – 98,739 Employees
Germany’s Lufthansa employs nearly 99,000 people, making it the largest European airline in terms of workforce. However, its stock price is significantly lower than U.S. competitors at $7.04, with a modest 0.36% increase today.
5. China Southern Airlines (China) – 97,899 Employees
As the largest airline in China by employee count, China Southern Airlines has a workforce of nearly 98,000. Despite this, its stock is relatively inexpensive at $0.78 per share, up by 1.56% today.
6. Air China (China) – 87,190 Employees
Air China, the country’s flag carrier, employs 87,190 people. Similar to China Southern, its stock is valued at under $1 ($0.95), but it saw a 1.42% increase today.
7. China Eastern Airlines (China) – 80,193 Employees
Another major Chinese airline, China Eastern, has over 80,000 employees. Its stock price ($0.50) is the lowest among the top 10, but it gained 1.87% today.
8. Air France-KLM (France) – 76,566 Employees
With a workforce of over 76,500, Air France-KLM is one of Europe’s largest airline groups. Its stock price stands at $9.07, with a small 0.53% increase today.
9. Southwest Airlines (USA) – 73,463 Employees
The largest low-cost carrier in the world, Southwest Airlines, employs over 73,000 people. Unlike many legacy carriers, Southwest has maintained a strong financial position, with its stock priced at $30.28 and a 1.17% gain today.
10. Turkish Airlines (Turkey) – 57,991 Employees
Turkish Airlines rounds out the list with nearly 58,000 employees. The airline is rapidly expanding its global footprint, and its stock price ($9.00) reflects investor interest, showing a 2.19% increase today.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, workforce size remains a key factor in operational capacity and service quality. While automation and efficiency improvements might influence future employment trends, these airlines remain crucial employers in the global economy.
