Airline brands across the world are returning to growth after the widespread disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from leading brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance.
The airlines industry suffered big losses in brand value during the pandemic as governments enforced travel restrictions to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19. While many airline brands are growing again, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic values.
Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes around 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest brands in the airline industry are included in the annual Brand Finance Airlines 50 2022 ranking.
Delta retains top position as the world’s most valuable airline, valued at US$7.3 billion
Delta soars higher than its competition with the highest brand value in the ranking, up 27% to US$7.3 billion. The leading American carrier has rolled out various new features over the year to retain customer loyalty in times of low demand.
The new developments over the past year include the introduction of six new transatlantic routes adding to its existing network and new partner hubs across Europe in London, Paris and Amsterdam among others. Additionally, the Delta business has invested in airlines across the globe like Aeromexico (brand value up 42% to US$0.3 billion), Virgin Atlantic (brand value up 37% to US$0.4 billion), Korean Air (brand value up 15% to US$1.3 billion) and China Eastern (brand value up 4% to US$2.3 billion) to build the Delta brand by being able to deliver enhanced travel connectivity.
The airline industry faces challenges from carbon emissions and Delta is taking steps to address these concerns. Delta has partnered with European aerospace brand Airbus to research hydrogen powered aircraft to reduce carbon emissions. The switch from conventional jet…