Delta is still the world’s most valuable airline brand in 2025, while Qantas’ brand value has risen significantly.
Delta’s brand value rose by 38% in 2024 to reach US$14.9 billion, per a report by Brand Finance, and has retained its title for the seventh consecutive year. Fellow United States companies United Airlines and American Airlines took second and third place.
“Airlines are capitalising on the rebound in international mobility, with the total brand value of the top 50 airlines rising 29% year-on-year to US$132.4 billion. This growth is being driven by shifting consumer preferences: premium and loyalty revenue streams now account for over half of total income at leading carriers like Delta,” said Brand Finance senior director Savio D’Souza.
“As demand accelerates for high-quality, long-haul travel experiences, brands that deliver reliability and service excellence are pulling ahead of the competition.”
Qantas is now the world’s 16th most valuable airline brand, increasing its brand value by A$1.3 billion over the past year. Australian airlines’ brand value represented 2.6% of the global total, the eighth largest of any country.
The three highest-ranked airlines by brand value in the Asia Pacific region were all based in China. China Southern placed seventh at US$4.09 billion, while China Eastern and Air China were ranked 10th and 11th.
The fastest-growing airline brand worldwide was Malaysia Airlines, with brand value rising by 209% last year.
U.S. airlines represented the largest proportion of global brand value at 37.8%, with China placing second at 13.4%.
Economic uncertainty could impede expansion plans and brand growth, said D’Souza, citing the potential effects of the United States’ recently imposed tariffs. Other operational issues, like delays in delivering newly purchased planes, could also stymie expansion.
The most valuable airports by brand value were London’s Heathrow Airport, Singapore’s Changi Airport, and Paris Aeroport. By country, the United Kingdom’s airports led in brand value, with the United States and China ranked second and third.
Sydney Airport was the only airport in Australia to rank among Brand Finance’s 25 most valuable airport brands, at 23rd.
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