Operator Company Types

Virtual Airline – A company which appears to trade as an airline i.e. has a website, sells tickets, a brand but will contract out all aspects of the flight operation to another carrier using their AOC.

Airlines (Military) -  Typically state-owned airlines operating public service flights, using transport aircraft operated by commercial units of or by military organisations themselves, Examples include LADE, TAME

Airlines - Leisure

Carriers whose core business is flying in support of travel companies, either directly owned or affiliated to the airline, or via charter agreement. Some of these carriers commonly market and operate 'scheduled' services where 100% or a % of seats are available for direct sale.  The route network is focused on 'holiday' destinations.

Airlines - Low Cost

Carriers whose business is based around moving passengers in high density, typically on point-to-point routes and charge ancillary fees for many aspects of the booking, ground and in-flight experience (unbundled fare structure).  Operate minimal range of fleet types with typically higher aircraft utilisation rates vs. more established mainline carriers.

Airlines - Cargo

Carriers whose sole business is the moving around of freight. Will operate built or converted full freight aircraft.

Airlines - Regional

Carriers who operate services within a country, or to immediate neighbours only, typically with turboprop or regional jet types. May also offer cargo services in a combi role.

Airlines - Mainline

Carriers with a mix of routes and types, that offer full service flights domestically and internationally. National flag carriers will frequently be in this group.

Airlines – ACMI

Carriers whose primary business is provision of wet-lease / ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance Insurance) contract aircraft to fulfil air transport requirements such as private charters, gov/mil transport contracts and short / medium term operational assistance for other airline types.

Airlines - Charter

Organisations that we have categorised as ‘Charter’ tend to be those that specialise in providing unscheduled air services, often arranged via a broker including things like private company charters, remote area support, humanitarian support and industry specific transport services e.g. mining.