Apple earns more from a single phone cover than any other airline in the world earns from a single passenger, claims IATA chief

News Topical, Digital Desk : The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has made a startling revelation. According to the IATA chief, all the world's airlines combined cannot earn as much profit from a single passenger as Apple earns from selling a single iPhone case.

In fact, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said during the 2026 Global Aviation Outlook on Tuesday that even all the world's airlines together will be able to earn a net profit of only US$7.90 (about Rs 670) from a passenger, whereas Apple alone will earn much more than that by selling its iPhone cases.

Net profit in 2026 will be only $41 billion

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents approximately 360 carriers worldwide, announced its industry financial outlook for 2026 on Tuesday. The IATA estimates that the airline industry's total net profit in 2026 will be just $41 billion, or a profit of just $7.90 per passenger.

Comparison to iPhone cover

IATA chief Willie Walsh said on Tuesday that Apple will earn more by selling iPhone covers next year than the US$7.90 profit airlines earn per passenger. He said industry-level margins are still too low, given the value airlines create by connecting people and economies. They are at the core of that value chain, accounting for about 4 percent of the global economy and supporting 87 million jobs.

The global airline industry is grappling with various challenges, including supply chain issues, aircraft delivery delays, and geopolitical uncertainties. According to IATA, fuel efficiency growth is expected to be only 1 percent, as supply chain issues are hindering fleet renewal.

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