United ends 2011 as world's largest airline as Emirates encroaches on the number three spot

The single operating certificate that was granted to United-Continental last month will see the combined entity overtake Delta Air Lines as the world's largest airline. American Airlines has dropped to third in the ranking, based on available seat kilometers, and through capacity cuts associated with its bankruptcy may fall to fourth place next year, allowing Emirates to swoop in as third largest. If American and US Airways merge they would likely fall just under United Airlines but could catch up in subsequent years.