Owning an airline is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and capital-intensive business ventures in the world. As of 2026, the industry continues to operate on razor-thin profit margins—often averaging only 3.9% net profit globally—meaning that even a small spike in fuel prices, a geopolitical conflict, or a minor maintenance delay can turn a profitable month into a massive loss. The barriers to entry are astronomical, requiring billions in capital for aircraft acquisition, stringent regulatory certifications, and expensive landing slots at major hubs. Additionally, airlines face "fixed-cost" traps; regardless of how many tickets are sold, the pilot salaries, fuel, and airport fees remain largely the same for every flight. Labor relations are also notoriously complex, as airlines rely on highly unionized workforces including pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants. The famous quote by Richard Branson remains true: "If you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline."