Air carrier

Air carrier refers to an organization that provides air transport services for passengers or freight. Air carriers are recognized by the government and must adhere to a set of regulations and standards. They can be categorized into commercial airlines, cargo airlines, and charter airlines.

History

The concept of an air carrier was born with the advent of the airplane. The first scheduled air service began in Florida on January 1, 1914, with the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line. The four-mile flight across Tampa Bay took 23 minutes.

Types of Air Carriers

There are three main types of air carriers: commercial airlines, cargo airlines, and charter airlines.

Commercial Airlines

Commercial airlines are the most common type of air carrier. They provide scheduled services for passengers and cargo. Commercial airlines can be further divided into full-service airlines and low-cost carriers.

Cargo Airlines

Cargo airlines are air carriers that specialize in the transport of cargo. Some cargo airlines are divisions or subsidiaries of larger passenger airlines.

Charter Airlines

Charter airlines are air carriers that operate flights outside normal schedules, by a hiring arrangement with a particular customer.

Regulation

Air carriers are heavily regulated by governmental bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in Europe, and the Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom.

Safety

Safety is a paramount concern for air carriers. They must adhere to strict safety standards and regulations, including regular maintenance checks, safety training for crew, and adherence to flight and duty time limitations.

Environmental Impact

Air carriers contribute to environmental pollution through the emission of greenhouse gases. Many airlines are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact through measures such as fuel efficiency and carbon offset programs.

See Also

• Airline
• Aviation
• Air transport
• Cargo airline
• Charter airline