airliner

An airliner is a large fixed-wing aircraft designed for transporting passengers and cargo on scheduled airline services. It is distinguished from smaller private aircraft and from cargo-only freighters by its ability to carry dozens to hundreds of passengers in a single flight. Airliners are designed for high reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with air-traffic regulations.

Airliners are typically grouped as narrow-body (single-aisle) or wide-body (twin-aisle). Most models use two engines, although three- and four-engine configurations exist in older designs. Seating capacity ranges from roughly 90–150 in regional jets to 200–350 in many single-aisle models and 300–550 in large wide-bodies. They are optimized for ranges from short-haul to long-haul and feature pressurized cabins, modern avionics, and cabin services such as in-flight entertainment.

Most airliners fly on scheduled routes operated by commercial airlines, but freighters and charter services also rely on airliner designs. Routine operations include flight planning, maintenance cycles, and crew rotations. Flight decks house pilots and modern glass cockpits with autopilot, flight-management systems, and data connectivity.

Certification and production: Type certification from aviation authorities such as the FAA and EASA ensures design, manufacture, and airworthiness. Ongoing airworthiness and ETOPS rules govern long-range twin-engine operations. The largest airliner makers are Boeing and Airbus, with regional and smaller twinjet models produced by companies such as Embraer, and, historically, Bombardier.