2024: The Rise of Airline Startups

In 2024, 27 new airlines are set to launch in the aviation industry, each offering unique features and services. These startup airlines aim to disrupt the industry, from low-cost carriers to hydrogen-powered aircraft. Many of these airlines are committed to sustainability, using sustainable aviation fuels and electric aircraft. According to the International Airline Transport Association (IATA), around 4.7 billion people are expected to fly in 2024, and revenues are expected to reach $964 billion, an increase of 7.6% over 2023.

Here is a summary of some of the key airlines set to launch in 2024:

Q1

• Air Japan: A low-cost medium-haul carrier operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners on wet leases from its parent airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA).
• EcoJet Airlines: Focused on harnessing electric power, this British airline aims to use a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and has signed a deal with ZeroAvia for hydrogen-electric engines.
• Riyadh Air: Based in Saudi Arabia, this airline has plans to serve 110 destinations and has ordered 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
• SEM New Air Antilles: The relaunched name of Air Antilles, this airline operates in the Caribbean Islands with a fleet of 10 ATRs.

Q2

• Global Airlines: Based in Great Britain, this unconventional airline aims to operate a fleet of A380s and exclusively fly transatlantic flights.
• Air Iveria: Georgia’s new flag carrier plans to operate out of Tbilisi to destinations that have yet to be announced.

Q3

• Air Cahana: Based in the US, this airline focuses on hydrogen-powered aircraft and aims to decarbonize aviation using turboprop aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels.

Q4

• NEOM Airlines: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Airlines will be centered around the NEOM project, a sustainable futuristic city, and will utilize sustainable aviation fuels.

These new airlines aim to break new ground in the industry and contribute to greener aviation by operating electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, helping the industry reach net zero CO2 emissions faster.