Air Transport Essentials: Airlines, Routes and Aircraft
Airlines, networks and alliances
Know the difference between full-service/network carriers, low-cost carriers (point-to-point, often a single fleet type, ancillary revenue), charter airlines, regional feeders and cargo operators. Network carriers use hub-and-spoke systems; LCCs prefer point-to-point. The three global alliances are Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam; codeshares and joint ventures extend networks beyond a carrier's own aircraft. Aircraft categories matter for scheduling: narrow-body (A320 family, 737), wide-body (A330, 777, 787, A350), regional jets and turboprops. Range, capacity and runway performance determine which type can fly a route.
Routes and traffic rights
Route questions test IATA areas, non-stop versus connecting itineraries, and the Freedoms of the Air (1st: overfly; 3rd/4th: carry traffic between home and a foreign state; 5th: beyond points). Know the difference between a technical stop and a commercial stop.
Traps and a worked rule
A common trap is confusing the marketing carrier with the operating carrier on a codeshare: the ticket may show one airline's flight number while another airline actually flies. Check the operating carrier for check-in, baggage and airport details. Worked example: flight BA1234 is operated by a partner airline - the passenger checks in with the operator, but the ticket and most fare conditions come from the marketing carrier. Always read the small print on the itinerary.