United leads US big three airlines in most international markets

Cirium data also indicates that United ranks as the largest carrier—among both US and foreign airlines—to half of these six regions. In Canada, it comes second after Air Canada; in Central America it trails Copa; and in the Middle East it ranks fifth behind Qatar Airways, Emirates, El Al, and Etihad.

Delta Air Lines holds a dominant position only in Africa with eight routes serving the continent. Two of these are either new or returning this year: Atlanta to Accra resumes on December 1 after last operating in 2012; Marrakech service begins October 25. Other destinations include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos (from Atlanta), and Accra, Dakar, Lagos (from New York JFK). Delta's presence in other regions often benefits from SkyTeam partnerships at major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul Incheon.

Delta also ranks second among US carriers to Asia (excluding the Middle East), Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. Its return of Tel Aviv flights on September 1 strengthens its position in some markets.

American Airlines does not currently operate flights to Africa. In 2019 it announced plans for Philadelphia–Casablanca service using Boeing 757s but did not proceed due to the pandemic.

The table below summarizes each airline’s market share for nonstop flights from September through December:

US To... | American | Delta | United

|||

Africa | 0% | 54% | 46%

Asia (excl. Middle East) |14%|26%|60%

Australasia (excl. US territories)|20%|18%|62%

Canada|27%|30%|43%

Caribbean (excl. US territories)|58%|22%|20%

Central America|38%|13%|49%

Europe|25%|34%|41%

Mexico|45%|16%|39%

Middle East|17%|22%|61%

South America|53%|20%|27%

"With only one exception, the three carriers have flights to all ten examined continents, regions, and specific countries," according to Cirium Diio data analysis.

"American's frames do not fly to Africa," notes Cirium Diio data analysis.

"In 2019... announced plans to fly... from Philadelphia...to Casablanca... The coronavirus pandemic put paid to that idea," according to Cirium Diio data analysis.

"Since then [American] has not publicly stated its desire to commence service to Morocco," says Cirium Diio data analysis.

Of note regarding United: "United has a 62% share against just 20% for American," states Cirium Diio data analysis about Australasia routes.

Regarding Delta’s African routes: "Delta has eight routes to Africa,two of which are either new or returning this year: Atlanta to Accra (resuming on December 1; last served in 2012), Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Marrakech (beginning on October 25), along with New York JFK to Accra, Dakar,and Lagos."