Visual CapitalistModify

2026-02-02 05:44:10

Visualized: The World’s Aircraft Orders in One Chart

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

Who’s buying the most aircraft in the world? Aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus released their 2025 order books, highlighting which airlines, lessors, and governments placed orders for commercial planes. The visual above, created by Julie Peasley, breaks down all major buyers of Airbus and Boeing aircraft during the year. The full datasets are available directly from Boeing and Airbus.

The graphic also shows whether the customer ordered from Boeing, Airbus, or both, and uses color coding to indicate buyer type, ranging from airlines and airline groups to aircraft lessors and cargo operators.

Here’s the full breakdown of aircraft orders by entity in 2025:

While Qatar Airways led all named buyers with 161 aircraft orders, the biggest segment overall is “Undisclosed” buyers, accounting for 469 aircraft combined across both manufacturers.

Aircraft buyers are often listed as “undisclosed” to protect strategic plans, pending regulatory approvals, or leasing arrangements where the final airline hasn’t been determined yet. Manufacturers still record these orders to reflect real demand while honoring customer confidentiality.

Aircraft lessors like Avolon, BOC Aviation, and Macquarie also played a major role in demand.

Who’s Driving Demand?

Looking at the categories of buyers, airlines dominated overall, placing more than 1,200 orders. However, aircraft lessors also made a substantial impact, accounting for over 400 aircraft. These entities purchase planes to lease them to airlines, serving as financial intermediaries in the aviation ecosystem.

Military and government buyers made a small but notable appearance. The U.S. Air Force and defense departments from Europe and the U.S. made targeted purchases, reflecting ongoing needs for refueling and defense infrastructure.

Air Travel Recovery Fuels Orders

With global air travel surpassing 2019 levels in many regions, carriers are investing heavily in new, more fuel-efficient aircraft. In Asia, airlines like VietJet, Korean Air, and China Airlines are expanding their fleets rapidly. Meanwhile, American carriers such as Alaska Airlines and WestJet are modernizing for both domestic and transborder routes.

As travel rebounds, competition between Boeing and Airbus will remain fierce. However, the surge in demand suggests a strong outlook for the industry as a whole.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

Explore how Boeing’s business spans beyond commercial jets in Boeing’s Business Is Much More Than Just Commercial Planes.

2026-02-02 04:15:06

View the high-resolution version of this infographic.

Mapped: The World’s 12 Largest Impact Craters

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

A single asteroid strike can reshape a planet, and Earth’s history is marked by several cataclysmic impacts. This map by Julie Peasley uses data from the Earth Impact Database to showcase the 12 largest confirmed impact craters on Earth, ranging from massive basin-forming events to relatively recent collisions.

The World’s Largest Craters by Diameter

The following table ranks the top 12 confirmed impact craters based on their estimated rim-to-rim diameter:

While Vredefort in South Africa ranks first at 99 miles (160 km), it formed over 2 billion years ago and has been significantly eroded. In contrast, the second-ranked Chicxulub crater in Mexico retains a clearer structure and is famous for its role in the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out most dinosaurs.

Extinction Events and Impact Size

Interestingly, larger crater size doesn’t always mean greater devastation. As scientists have noted, factors like impact velocity, angle, and composition can be just as important. The Chicxulub impactor likely released over 100 million megatons of TNT-equivalent energy, triggering firestorms, tsunamis, and a global winter.

In contrast, older impacts like Morokweng or Sudbury were equally massive but occurred long before complex life had evolved, so they did not cause any known mass extinction events.

Lasting Geological Signatures

Some craters, such as Sudbury in Ontario, have left behind unique geological formations and mineral deposits. The Sudbury Basin remains one of the most economically important mining regions in the world, rich in nickel and copper.

Others, like the Morokweng crater in South Africa, have even preserved fragments of the original meteorite thousands of meters beneath the surface.

Why So Few Ancient Craters Remain

Despite Earth’s long history, many early craters have vanished due to erosion and tectonic activity. Earth’s oldest impact scars are gradually being lost to time—unlike the Moon or Mars, which preserve theirs far better. This is why craters like Vredefort or Beaverhead are so valuable: they offer rare glimpses into planetary-scale violence from billions of years ago.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

Curious about the cosmos? Explore Every Moon in the Solar System and dive deeper into the celestial bodies orbiting our planets.

2026-02-01 23:33:05

How Melting Ice Is Impacting Arctic Shipping Routes

See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

Not only does the Arctic hold significant oil and rare earth resources, thawing ice means that shipping routes can be reduced drastically.

Since 1980, the Arctic’s minimal ice extent, its smallest point, has shrunk by 39%. At the same time, the Arctic is a strategic priority for Russia, both for freight transport and military security. More recently, President Trump has argued that Greenland—a territory he has threatened to acquire—is critical to U.S. security.

This graphic shows how Arctic ice loss is redrawing shipping routes, based on data from multiple sources, including NASA, World Bank, NOAA, and ArcData.

The Rise of Arctic Shipping As Ice Thaws

Over the last decade, Arctic shipping has increased 37%, with 1,781 unique ships sailing a combined 12.7 million nautical miles in 2024.

Ship traffic is increasing as Arctic ice is thawing at a notable pace. For perspective, the loss in minimal ice extent between 1980 and 2025 is greater than the size of India’s land area.

Below, we show the annual minimum Arctic ice extent over the past several decades.

Among the region’s key shipping corridors are the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage.

The Northern Sea Route, in particular, is central to Russia’s strategic ambitions. In 2025, the first vessel completed a China–Europe transit along the route in roughly 20 days, covering 7,850 nautical miles. By comparison, the southern route via the Suez Canal takes about 27 days and spans 11,167 nautical miles.

Looking ahead, the even shorter Transpolar Route—cutting directly across the North Pole—could become viable as early as 2059. The Arctic is warming at roughly four times the global average, accelerating ice melt and extending navigable seasons.

If realized, the Transpolar Route would further reduce shipping distances and costs, while significantly increasing the Arctic’s geopolitical and economic importance.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

To learn more about this topic, check out this map explainer on the territory of Greenland.

2026-02-01 21:06:44

Ranked: The Most Reliable Car Brands in 2026

See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

Who makes the most reliable cars?

This visualization ranks the most reliable car brands in 2026 based on predicted reliability scores by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports calculated predicted reliability scores for nearly every new car, truck, and SUV by analyzing data from its annual member reliability surveys. These surveys collect detailed, self-reported information about problems owners have experienced with their vehicles.

For the most recent analysis, CR used responses covering roughly 380,000 vehicles, allowing them to identify patterns in reliability across brands, models, and powertrains. The aggregated results are then used to score and compare vehicles, highlighting trends such as differences between gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models.

Japanese Automakers Lead the Rankings

Japanese brands claim six of the top seven spots in 2026. Toyota leads the list with a score of 66, followed closely by Subaru and Lexus. These manufacturers are known for conservative engineering, long model cycles, and a focus on proven technology.

Rank	Brand	Predicted reliability score	Country
1	Toyota	66	Japan
2	Subaru	63	Japan
3	Lexus	60	Japan
4	Honda	59	Japan
5	BMW	58	Germany
6	Nissan	57	Japan
7	Acura	54	Japan
8	Buick	51	U.S.
9	Tesla	50	U.S.
10	Kia	49	S. Korea
11	Ford	48	U.S.
12	Hyundai	48	S. Korea
13	Audi	44	Germany
14	Mazda	43	Japan
15	Volvo	42	Sweden
16	Volkswagen	42	Germany
17	Chevrolet	42	U.S.
18	Cadillac	41	U.S.
19	Mercedes-Benz	41	Germany
20	Lincoln	40	U.S.
21	Genesis	33	S. Korea
22	Chrysler	31	U.S.
23	GMC	31	U.S.
24	Jeep	28	U.S.
25	Ram	26	U.S.
26	Rivian	24	U.S.

Toyota vehicles are engineered to last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, thanks to rigorous quality control at every stage of production and simplified powertrain designs that reduce potential failure points.

In addition to long-term mechanical durability, Toyota’s strong anti-theft reputation places several of its models among vehicles with the lowest theft risk.

Honda and Nissan also perform strongly, reinforcing Japan’s dominance in long-term vehicle dependability.

European Brands Show Mixed Reliability

European automakers cluster in the middle of the rankings. BMW stands out as the top European brand, ranking fifth overall and outperforming several Japanese competitors.

In contrast, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo score in the low-to-mid 40s.

Tesla’s Big Jump Signals EV Maturation

Tesla recorded the largest improvement in the rankings compared to the previous survey, moving up eight spots to ninth place. This gain is driven by strong reliability scores for the Model 3 and Model Y, which now benefit from years of incremental design refinements.

Lower-ranked brands such as Jeep, Ram, and Rivian highlight how newer platforms and performance-focused designs can face early reliability hurdles.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

If you enjoyed today’s post, check out EV Global Market Share by Country on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

2026-02-01 02:37:12

Ranked: The Most Valuable Sports Teams in 2026

This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

This visualization ranks the most valuable sports teams in the world in 2026, highlighting both long-established dynasties and fast-rising franchises. It also shows how financial success does not always align with on-field results.

Values are shown in U.S. dollars and include year-over-year percentage changes. The data for this visualization comes from Forbes.

The Cowboys Lead—Even Without Recent Titles

The Dallas Cowboys top the rankings at $13.0 billion, making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world.

Notably, the team has not appeared in a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, when it defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite this long championship drought, the Cowboys’ brand power, national fanbase, and lucrative sponsorships continue to drive unmatched financial success.

Combined, NFL franchises account for 13 of the top 20 teams (65%), including the New England Patriots, who will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.

NBA Growth Fueled by Star Power and Ownership

NBA teams show some of the fastest valuation growth on the list. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks both exceed $9 billion in value, reflecting the league’s global reach and star-driven appeal.

The Los Angeles Clippers, valued at $7.5 billion, are owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, whose investment in a new arena and aggressive spending has helped boost the franchise’s worth.

Notably, the Lakers and the current World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, share the same ownership group, underscoring how cross-sport portfolios can amplify brand value.

Soccer’s Global Reach, Limited Representation

Real Madrid is the only soccer club to make the top 20, valued at $6.75 billion. This is notable given soccer’s global popularity and the presence of superstar athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest-paid athlete in the world. It also reflects how the sports business is far more developed in the United States.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Top 10 Sportswear Companies Globally By Market Cap (2025) on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

2026-01-31 23:23:06

Charted: The Rising Prices of Popular Beer Brands (2015–2025)

See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.

Cracking open a cold one has gotten noticeably more expensive over the past decade.

Between 2015 and 2025, the average price of a 12-pack of beer climbed sharply across nearly every major brand, outpacing broader inflation.

This chart compares the average retail prices for a 12-pack of 12-oz cans or bottles of popular beer brands in 2015 vs. 2025, based on data from FinanceBuzz. It’s worth noting that the data is from a limited sample of one retailer, and prices may vary regionally and across retailers.

Beer Prices Have Risen Faster Than Alcohol Inflation

While alcohol inflation for at-home consumption has increased by about 16% since 2015, beer prices have climbed by roughly 29% overall, and even more for certain brands.

On average, the 15 beer brands tracked saw prices rise from $11.62 per 12-pack in 2015 to $16.39 in 2025, an increase of $4.77 per case.

Here’s how individual brands compare:

Craft and imported beers dominate the top of the list when it comes to price hikes.

Sam Adams Summer Ale, a seasonal beer that’s only available from March to August, recorded the largest increase, jumping from $13.99 to $23.99, a 71% increase, or an extra $10 per 12-pack. Imported beers like Dos Equis, Guinness, and Corona Extra also posted price increases north of the 35% mark.

Furthermore, budget-friendly staples like Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon both saw prices rise by 44%, climbing from $8.99 to $12.99. Meanwhile, some of America’s most popular beers, including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite, all experienced similar increases of around 36%.

In other words, even America’s go-to “cheap beers” now cost several dollars more per case than they did a decade ago.

Why Beer Prices Have Risen

Several factors have driven the rise in beer prices, including rising prices for barley (+15% from 2015–2025) and aluminum (+92% from 2015–2025), as well as overall inflation.

Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting toward premium craft and specialty beers, which tend to be more expensive. While beer remains relatively affordable compared to wine and spirits on a per-drink basis, its steady price climb has been hard to miss, especially for frequent buyers.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

If you enjoyed this breakdown, explore more consumer price trends and lifestyle data on Voronoi, including NFL Beer Cost Inflation Over the Past Decade