American Airlines‘ has become the most valuable airline around the world and is now worth almost $4 billion more than last year.
New figures released by Brand Directory found the Texas-based business is now the most valuable airline brand worldwide, worth some US$9.8 billion in 2017.
The figure is well above the US$6.1 billion American Airlines was worth last year, and around US$3 billion more than Emirates (US$6 billion), which fell to fourth place after holding the title as the world’s most valuable airline brand for the last five years.
According to the brand evaluation site, Emirates‘ worth took a 21 percent hit over the last 12 months after enduring low oil prices, a strong US dollar and extra competition.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines managed to maintain its title as the second most valuable airline brand this year, followed by United Airlines, which jumped from fifth place to third place with a brand worth of US$7.2 billion.
Southwest fell behind Emirates in fifth place, followed by China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, British Airways and All Nippon Airways.
For Australia’s Flying Kangaroo, Qantas, the last 12 months set its brand back a little from 12th most valuable worth US$2.8 billion to 13th worth US$2.02 bllion.
Meanwhile, when it comes to all brands worldwide, Google is now the world’s most valuable after topping Apple, which fell to the second spot this year.