Purchasing resources for Airline Carriers Based in the US

Whether you're a pilot, an airline executive or a member of the ground crew, it is imperative that you are familiar with the important terminology associated with the U.S. airline industry. In order to understand all of the rules and regulations that govern the operation of U.S.-based airline carriers, you should familiarize yourself with the following terms.

Air Transport Association of America (ATA)

Comprised of the largest airline carriers in the United States, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) was founded in 1936 and serves to shape the policies and regulations that govern the U.S. airline industry.

Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 marked the privatization of the U.S. airline industry and the end of its governance by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

Passenger facility charge (PFC)

The passenger facility charge is the fee that airports controlled by government agencies are allowed to charge all airline customers in order to fund airport projects approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Federal Aviation Administration.

Code-sharing

Code-sharing refers to the partnership of two or more airline carriers to provide customers with a wider range of travel options. Code-sharing usually allows customers to use earned travel miles and discounts from one airline with its code-sharing partners.

Certified air carriers

Certified air carriers are airlines that have undergone a certification process by the Federal Aviation Administration and have met the standards of safety and operation set by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.

Minimum equipment list (MEL)

A minimum equipment list (MEL) is a document provided by the FAA that defines the equipment that must be operable before an aircraft can take flight. It also lists the equipment that an aircraft is safely able to fly without.