Airlines use standardized codes for identification in booking systems, flight tracking, and air traffic control. Understanding these codes is essential for developers building travel and aviation applications.
IATA Airline Codes
IATA assigns 2-character codes to airlines for ticketing and reservation systems. Examples include AA (American Airlines), UA (United Airlines), and BA (British Airways). These codes appear on tickets, boarding passes, and flight displays.
ICAO Airline Codes
ICAO assigns 3-letter codes used in flight planning and air traffic control. Examples include AAL (American Airlines), UAL (United Airlines), and BAW (British Airways). Pilots and controllers use these codes with flight numbers.
Callsigns in Aviation
Callsigns are the radio names pilots use when communicating with ATC. American Airlines uses "AMERICAN," so flight AA123 would be "American 123." Callsigns are often the airline name but can differ (Delta uses "DELTA," but Southwest uses "SOUTHWEST").