Airlines Starting 2026 with World’s Largest Fleets: Two of Them with Over 1,000 Aircraft
Commercial aviation continues to grow steadily, driven by the introduction of more efficient, reliable, and versatile aircraft. This technological advancement has allowed operators to expand their capacity and serve both point-to-point routes and long-haul services with greater flexibility.
Based on data obtained from Planespotters.net, updated on January 2, 2026, we review which airlines will begin 2026 operating the largest fleets on the planet, considering only their main fleets.
1. United Airlines
United Airlines tops the list as the airline with the largest fleet in operation. The Chicago-based company has 1,061 aircraft in its main fleet, not including planes operated by its subsidiary United Express. From its hubs, it offers scheduled services to over 360 destinations, a figure that positions it as the airline with the highest number of destinations globally.
In the single-aisle segment, United primarily operates models from the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Boeing 757 families. For wide-body aircraft, its fleet is composed exclusively of Boeing aircraft, including 767s, 777s, and 787s.
2. American Airlines
American Airlines ranks second with 1,013 aircraft in its main fleet. The company connects over 350 destinations worldwide.
Its short and medium-haul fleet includes aircraft from the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. For long-haul operations, American uses only Boeing aircraft, specifically the 777 and 787.
3. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines operates the third-largest fleet, with 989 aircraft. Based in Atlanta, it connects nearly 325 destinations.
On domestic and regional routes, Delta uses Airbus A220, A319/A320/A321, as well as Boeing 717, 737, and 757 aircraft. Unlike its U.S. competitors, the airline uses exclusively wide-body Airbus aircraft, with 81 units from the A330 family and 40 A350-900s.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the world’s fourth-largest airline by fleet size and also North America’s fourth-largest by number of passengers carried. It serves over 100 destinations using 804 Boeing 737 aircraft.
The fleet consists of 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The company has pending orders for over 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.
5. China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is one of China’s three major airlines, along with China Eastern and Air China. It operates to nearly 200 destinations, and its fleet reaches 710 aircraft, the largest in the country.
For short-haul flights, it uses models from the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737, COMAC ARJ21, and COMAC C919. On intercontinental routes, it employs a combination of Airbus A330, A350, Boeing 777, and 787 aircraft.
→ Boeing Requests Emissions Exemption from FAA to Sell 35 777F Jets
6. China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines is China’s second-largest airline by passenger volume and flies to over 225 destinations worldwide.
The company operates 681 aircraft. Its fleet combines Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC aircraft, with a composition similar to that of China Southern.
7. SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines provides service to over 250 destinations in North America for United, American, Delta, and Alaska Airlines.
The airline has 600 regional aircraft, comprising three Bombardier models and the Embraer 170.
8. Air China
Air China offers scheduled flights to 215 destinations around the world and operates a fleet of 532 aircraft.
On short and medium-haul routes, it uses aircraft from the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, as well as the COMAC ARJ21 and COMAC C919. For long-haul flights, it has Airbus A330, A350, Boeing 747, 777, and 787 aircraft.
9. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines holds the title of the airline that flies to more countries than any other, with operations in 131 nations and nearly 350 destinations. The Turkish company operates a fleet of 402 aircraft.
For short and medium-haul routes, it uses models from the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. Its long-haul network is covered by Airbus A330, A350, Boeing 777, and 787 aircraft.
10. Ryanair
Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline in terms of annual passengers, fleet size, and number of flights. The Irish operator has 349 Boeing 737 aircraft and connects 235 destinations.
Its fleet includes Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, consolidating its operating model based on high efficiency and controlled costs.
This overview reflects how the world’s major airlines are preparing to start 2026 with robust, diverse fleets aligned with the operational demands of an increasingly competitive air market.
Related Topics
Porter Airlines Reaches New Milestone with Addition of its 50th Embraer E195-E2
Star Air Evaluates Purchase of Embraer Aircraft to Bolster Its Growth in India
Helvetic Airways and Air Côte d’Ivoire to Expand Their Fleets with New Embraer Jets Orders
Embraer Reaches Historic Record with US$31.3 Billion Order Backlog in 3Q25
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.