airline

An airline is an organization that provides air transport services for passengers and cargo. Airlines operate aircraft on scheduled and charter routes, typically between airports, and may be classified by their business model, geographic scope, or the type of traffic they serve. Most airlines are subject to national aviation authorities and international standards published by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Operations: Airlines manage fleets, crew rosters, maintenance, and ground handling, and they timetable services using hubs or point-to-point networks. They offer passenger services with various cabin classes and price types, and cargo services for freight. Revenue management, yield optimization, and load factor are key performance measures. Availability of seats, schedules, and prices influence demand.

Types and business models: Full-service carriers provide extensive in-flight service and large route networks; low-cost carriers focus on lower fares with limit ancillary services; regional airlines operate short-haul routes, often feeding larger networks; charter airlines operate outside regular schedules for specific contracts. Ancillary revenue from baggage, seat selection, and on-board sales is common.

Industry structure: Airlines form alliances and codeshare agreements to extend networks. Codeshare allows one airline to sell seats on another's flight. Major alliances include Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. Frequent-flyer programs and airport slots influence competition. Safety and security are regulated through national authorities and global standards.

Environmental and social aspects: Aviation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and noise; airlines pursue efficiency improvements, newer aircraft, sustainable fuels, and route optimization to reduce impact. The industry is cyclical and highly capital-intensive, with profitability sensitive to fuel prices, economic conditions, and regulatory changes.