Airline travel in 2020 is expected to fall by as much as 70% globally compared to 2019, a huge blow to an industry that spends more than $761 million per year on sports partnerships. Currently, there are about 700,000 passengers a day in the U.S., a third of the normal rate.
Global sports sponsorship fees are expected to decline 37% overall in 2020 — the airline segment led all categories with a 61% drop. The long-term impact is still unknown as airlines remain a key cog in partnerships, with Delta signing on to be a founding partner for LA28 and Team USA for $400 million in late February.
Major U.S. Airlines’ Recent Quarterly Earnings Reports:
American Airlines: 86% decline in revenue
Delta Air Lines: 88% decline in revenue
Southwest Airlines: 82% decline in revenue
United Airlines: 87% decline in revenue
