APPLE PHONE CASE PROFITS COMPARED WITH AIRLINE MARGINS, IATA CHIEF SAYS

Apple's revenue from selling a single iPhone case could surpass the profit an airline earns from transporting one passenger, according to remarks from International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh.

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The comparison came as IATA released its latest financial outlook, highlighting how thin airline margins remain despite the industry's scale and economic importance.

The organization, which represents about 360 carriers worldwide, announced that global airlines are projected to generate a combined net profit of USD 41 billion in 2026. Although revenue is recovering and demand remains strong, profits per passenger remain narrow, underscoring the lingering strain on operators as they navigate supply-chain pressures, fleet delays, and geopolitical uncertainty.

AIRLINE MARGINS REMAIN SLIM DESPITE PROJECTED INDUSTRY PROFITS

In outlining the 2026 outlook, Walsh emphasized that profitability at the passenger level has shown minimal progress. Airlines are expected to earn USD 7.90 per passenger next year, a figure unchanged from 2025 and still below the USD 8.50 level recorded in 2023. While total profits appear sizeable at the industry scale, the margins highlight the ongoing challenges carriers face relative to other sectors.