Apple iPhone Case Profits Surpass Airline Per-Passenger Revenue: IATA Chief Highlights Industry Margin Disparity

Dec 10, 2025 02:41 am CST

IATA Director General Willie Walsh reveals the stark reality of airline economics: while airlines form the backbone of global connectivity supporting 87 million jobs and 4% of the global economy, their per-passenger profit of $7.90 is less than what Apple earns from a single iPhone case. Despite projections of $41 billion in industry profits for 2026, airlines continue battling supply chain disruptions, delivery delays, and aging fleets.