NAICS 481 - Air Transportation

Industries in the Air Transportation subsector provide air transportation of passengers and/or cargo using aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. The subsector distinguishes scheduled from nonscheduled air transportation. Scheduled air carriers fly regular routes on regular schedules and operate even if flights are only partially loaded. Nonscheduled carriers often operate during nonpeak time slots at busy airports. These establishments have more flexibility with respect to choice of airport, hours of operation, load factors, and similar operational characteristics. Nonscheduled carriers provide chartered air transportation of passengers, cargo, or specialty flying services. Specialty flying services establishments use general purpose aircraft to provide a variety of specialized flying services.

Scenic and sightseeing air transportation and air courier services are not included in this subsector but are included in Subsector 487, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, and in Subsector 492, Couriers and Messengers, respectively. Although these activities may use aircraft, they are different from the activities included in air transportation. Air sightseeing does not usually involve place-to-place transportation; the passenger's flight (e.g., balloon ride, aerial sightseeing) typically starts and ends at the same location. Courier services (individual package or cargo delivery) include more than air transportation; road transportation is usually required to deliver the cargo to the intended recipient.

• Covers passenger and cargo air transportation using airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft.
• Differentiates between scheduled and nonscheduled air transportation services.
• Includes chartered flights and specialty flying operations but excludes scenic sightseeing and courier services.
• Businesses range from large commercial airlines to small specialty flight operators.
• Government contracting often supports defense, emergency response, and logistical missions.
• Size standards vary based on aircraft capacity and revenue thresholds.

• Operating scheduled airline passenger services on fixed routes and schedules.
• Providing nonscheduled charter flights for passengers and cargo.
• Conducting specialty flying services using general purpose aircraft.
• Transporting military personnel and equipment under government contracts.
• Delivering urgent or critical cargo for emergency response agencies.
• Supporting aerospace research and testing via contracted flights.
• Providing helicopter transport services for remote or difficult-to-access areas.
• Coordinating air logistics for disaster relief and homeland security operations.

• Scheduled commercial airlines
• Nonscheduled charter air carriers
• Specialty flying service providers
• Helicopter transport operators
• Aerospace and aviation service contractors
• Government aviation support contractors