Aviation Glossary

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A comprehensive glossary of aviation terms, acronyms, and technical jargon explained in plain language.

All

Aircraft Leasing

The practice of airlines acquiring aircraft through operating or finance leases rather than outright purchase, now covering over 50% of the global commercial fleet.

Airlines & Industry

Airline Alliance

A formal partnership among airlines to coordinate schedules, codeshares, and frequent flyer programs.

Airlines & Industry

Airport Slot

A regulatory permission authorizing an airline to use a runway at a specific time at a capacity-constrained airport.

Airlines & Industry

Ancillary Revenue

Income earned by airlines beyond the base ticket fare, including fees for baggage, seat selection, onboard sales, and partner commissions.

Airlines & Industry

Codeshare

An arrangement where two or more airlines share the same physical flight under their own flight numbers.

Airlines & Industry

Hub-and-Spoke

A network model where flights from many origins connect through a central hub airport before continuing to destinations.

Airlines & Industry

IATA Code

Two-letter codes identifying airlines and three-letter codes identifying airports, assigned by the International Air Transport Association.

Airlines & Industry

ICAO Code

Four-letter alphanumeric codes assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization to identify airports and airlines worldwide.

Airlines & Industry

Low-Cost Carrier (LCC)

An airline that minimizes operating costs to offer significantly lower base fares than traditional full-service carriers.

Airlines & Industry

Route Proving Flight

Test flights conducted on a new route before commercial service begins to verify operational procedures, fuel calculations, alternates, and regulatory compliance.

Airlines & Industry

Wet Lease

An arrangement where one airline provides another with an aircraft complete with crew, maintenance, and insurance.

Airlines & Industry

Yield Management

A pricing strategy that adjusts airfares dynamically based on demand, booking timing, seat availability, and passenger segment.

Airlines & Industry