air carrier

noun

1. a commercial carrier utilizing aircraft as its means of transport; an airline, as for passengers or freight.
2. an aircraft meeting specified requirements, for use by an airline.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air carrier¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

While some large air carriers do operate in Alaska, particularly the eponymous Alaska Airlines, there are far more small, often piston or turboprop planes that are well-suited to the state’s unique terrain and limited infrastructure.

From ProPublica

These systems have been required for large air carriers since 2015 but have been voluntary for everyone else.

From ProPublica

Companies such as United, Delta and Alaska Airlines are known as large air carriers or Part 121 operators because they operate under that section of the FAA’s federal regulations when ferrying passengers and cargo.

From ProPublica

Nationally, commuter, air-taxi and charter flights were involved in fatal crashes at a far higher rate than large air carrier flights in the past decade.

From ProPublica

But what starts out as an angry letter to an air carrier becomes a meditation on his layover in life.

From The Daily Beast