Qantas has achieved its highest global ranking since 2019, rising to the 13th most valuable airline brand in the world, with a brand value of US$3.2 billion (AU$4.5 billion), according to the Airlines 50 2026 report by Brand Finance. This notable increase follows a period of turbulence marked by legal challenges, which impacted consumer trust and brand strength in 2023. Through operational improvements, customer experience enhancements, and network expansion, Qantas has demonstrated a strong recovery, rebuilding its reputation and operational performance.
Supporting the airline’s positive trend, its subsidiary Jetstar also reported a 13 percent rise in brand value, reaching US$883 million (AU$1.2 billion). Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines remained the world’s top airline brand, valued at US$18.6 billion (AU$26 billion), recognized for its reliability and customer loyalty.
Fast-growing airlines and airport success
Vietjet was named the fastest-growing airline brand of 2026, with a 117 percent surge to US$906 million (AU$1.3 billion), driven by international expansion and revenue streams. Closer to Australia, Sydney Airport increased its brand value by 13 percent to US$188 million (AU$263 million), handling nearly 43 million travelers over the year, with record international arrivals through Terminal 1.
In total, the top 50 airline brands collectively increased in value by 11 percent to US$147 billion (AU$205 billion), indicating resilient demand for air travel worldwide despite geopolitical and fuel volatility. These developments reflect ongoing recovery and growth in the aviation industry, with notable improvements in brand reputation, operational capacity, and international connectivity.
