Looking to make a million dollars running an airline? As the old aviation joke goes, start with two million. Despite the challenges faced by commercial airlines, some are proving that profitability in the aviation industry is not just a distant dream. The average operating profit margin for airlines globally in 2024 was around 6.4%, with an expected increase to 6.7% this year as revenues soar past a trillion dollars for the first time. Who were the top 10 most profitable airlines last year? Let's explore.

In a recent report by Pilotcenter.net News, it was revealed that the top earners in 2024 were a mix of familiar names and some surprises. The 'big three' US airlines – Delta, United, and American – took the lead in revenue thanks to record passenger traffic. These airlines collectively raked in over $172 billion in revenues, showcasing their market dominance.

However, revenue does not always equate to profitability. Emirates emerged as a standout performer, boasting a staggering profit of $4.7 billion in 2024, which has since surpassed even higher in 2025. Not far behind were Delta and United, each earning solid profits of $3.46 billion and $3.15 billion respectively. On the other hand, American Airlines faced challenges with relatively low profits despite its massive revenue of $54 billion.

When it comes to operational efficiency and profitability, Emirates and Singapore Airlines stole the show with operating margins exceeding 14%. Budget carrier Ryanair also impressed with a remarkable operating margin of 13.65%. However, not all airlines fared as well in this aspect, with some falling below the global average.

Airlines such as Air China and China Southern struggled with operating margins of just around 1%, while Lufthansa faced challenges maintaining profitability throughout the year. Meanwhile, carriers like Bangkok Airways, Air Arabia, and Copa achieved operating margins of over 20%, showcasing their ability to thrive in a competitive market.

Despite the ups and downs faced by the aviation industry, these top-performing airlines demonstrate that success is not just about revenue numbers but also about operational efficiency and profitability. As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is key to ensuring long-term sustainability in the aviation business.