Southwest Airlines Co. or AerCap Holdings N.V.: Who Leads in Yearly Revenue?

A Tale of Two Giants: Southwest Airlines Co. vs. AerCap Holdings N.V.

In the competitive skies of the airline industry, revenue is a key indicator of success. From 2014 to 2023, Southwest Airlines Co. consistently outperformed AerCap Holdings N.V. in annual revenue. Southwest's revenue soared by approximately 40% over this period, peaking at $26 billion in 2023. In contrast, AerCap's revenue grew by about 114%, reaching $7.6 billion in 2023.

The year 2020 marked a significant downturn for both companies due to the global pandemic, with Southwest's revenue plummeting by over 50% compared to 2019. However, by 2022, Southwest had rebounded, achieving a 163% increase from its 2020 low. Meanwhile, AerCap demonstrated resilience, with a 69% revenue increase from 2020 to 2023.

This data highlights the dynamic nature of the airline industry and the resilience of these two industry leaders.