õhuliine

Õhuliine is a term used in Estonian aviation to denote a scheduled air transport service operated by an airline or other carrier. It refers to routes between defined airports that run at published times and with regular frequency, enabling predictable passenger and cargo travel. Unlike ad hoc charter flights, õhuliinid follow a timetable, use standard aircraft and crew rosters, and are subject to civil aviation oversight and safety regulations. The concept is a core element of modern commercial aviation and supports both domestic and international connectivity.

Etymology and usage: The word combines õhk, meaning air, and liin, meaning line or route.

Operations and structure: Õhuliinid are typically licensed as scheduled services, require an air operator certificate, and operate under national and, in many contexts, European Union aviation rules. They may run as point-to-point services or as part of hub-and-spoke networks, and they often participate in alliances or code-sharing agreements. Fleet and schedules are planned to balance reliability, capacity, and cost, while pricing uses demand-based strategies. Safety, security, and customer service standards are maintained through regulatory compliance, maintenance regimes, and trained personnel.