Should the Dubai-based company maintain the same rate of growth this year as in 2012, at 18.4%, it will surpass the United States-based Delta Airlines.
From the Newsroom*
São Paulo – Emirates Airline is poised to become the world’s second largest airline by the end of this year, should it maintain the rate of growth seen in 2012, at 18.4%. The information was supplied by the United States-based travel consulting firm Innovata and was published by the website of the Arabian Business magazine.
In case it posts the same growth rate as last year’s, the Dubai-based airline should overtake the United States’ Delta Airlines. The American company saw a 0.3% drop in passenger-per-kilometre capacity in 2012.
At present, Emirates is the number one company in the world with regard to international passenger transport, but falls behind the US’ United Airlines in terms of total passengers carried. In 2012, United merged with Continental Airlines, consolidating its top position in the Innovata ranking with a 67.3% increase in passenger transport capacity.
Qatar Airways increased its capacity by 8.7% last year, climbing two positions and reaching the 17th position in the overall ranking. Etihad Airways climbed four positions and now ranks 28th, with a 14.8% increase in passenger transport capacity. Saudi Arabian Airlines remained in the 37th position.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
