Emirates is the most valuable airline brand in the world according to the 2015 Brand Finance Global 500 report.
The report lists the top 500 most valuable brands in the world and is topped by the likes of Apple and Samsung, though Emirates are the first airline to appear in the list, ranked at 196th.
Emirates, who have placed in the top 200 for the first time ever, jumped 38 places compared to 2014 and valued at $6.6 billion overall for 2015. The UAE carrier has increased its brand value by 21 percent since 2014, marking the fourth consecutive year that the airline has climbed the Top 500 table.
“Being named the most valuable airline brand in the world is great recognition for each and every one of our staff, as they are the ones who live, breathe and deliver the Emirates brand every day in the work they do. The strength of the Emirates brand also underscores the positive impact that we are making on our industry, and we will continue to work hard and invest in our brand,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.
However, both Boeing and Airbus sit above the 100 mark in the Top 500 list, overtaking Emirates. Boeing, which has moved a staggering 40 places since the previous report in 2014, is placed at number 67 – the highest rank in the ‘Aerospace and Defence’ category. The brand is valued at nearly $15.2 billion dollars overall, a 39 percent increase from the previous year.
Airbus, which has actually dropped 17 places since the previous report is ranked number 88 in the world, though is second overall for aerospace. Overall, the brand is valued at $12.7 billion for 2015, a 12 percent decrease in comparison to 2014.
Delta ranked second in the list in terms of airlines, placing at 211 overall – climbing a huge 75 places in comparison to 2014. The airline brand is valued at $6.3 billion, marking a 34 percent increase in comparison to 2014. US major United reached the Top 500, ranking at 280 – nearly 100 places higher than the previous year with a brand value increase of 27 percent.
In terms of Aerospace and Defence, Rolls-Royce ranked number 307 in the Top 500 with a brand value of nearly $4.6 billion. The manufacturer powers more than 30 types of commercial aircraft with almost 13,000 engines in service around the world. January 15, 2015 not only marked the first commercial flight for Airbus’ A350-900, but the first full entry into service for the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine.
Lufthansa is the first European airline to list in the Top 500, ranking in 353rd place with an overall brand value of almost $4.1 billion. American Airlines lists at 422, recording a 39 percent increase in brand value in comparison to 2014, while British Airways – the only UK airline to list, sits at number 424 and is a new entry to the Top 500.
The final airline to list is Southwest Airlines, who rank 451 out of 500 – and are also a new entry to the list. The airline brand is estimated to be worth almost $3.4 billion which is a 52 percent change in comparison to 2014.