An Airline is a company that offers air transportation services for people and cargo. They use airplanes to provide these services and may collaborate with other airlines through agreements where they share and operate the same flights. To operate, airlines need a license from the government's aviation authority. There are two main types of airlines: scheduled, which has fixed flight schedules, and charter, which operate flights on a per-request basis.
The first airline, DELAG, was established in Germany in 1909. Some of the oldest surviving airlines include KLM from the Netherlands (1919), Avianca from Colombia (1919), Qantas from Australia (1920), and Mexicana de Aviación from Mexico (1921).
For students interested in pursuing a career in aviation, understanding the airline industry is crucial. It offers diverse opportunities for various roles, including pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff. Students can consider studying aviation-related fields, such as aeronautical engineering, aviation management, or aviation operations, to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. It is also beneficial to stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements.
In India, the government body responsible for granting licenses and regulating airlines is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA is the regulatory authority for civil aviation in India and operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of airlines in compliance with national and international aviation regulations. The DGCA issues air operator certificates (AOC) to airlines, which authorize them to operate scheduled or non-scheduled flights in India. It also sets and enforces safety standards, conducts inspections, and monitors the adherence of airlines to regulatory requirements.
Mainline Airlines is a popular airline company that offers flights to many places around the world. They have modern planes with comfy seats, entertainment, and good food. The airline is known for being safe and reliable, and its friendly staff makes sure your trip is enjoyable from start to finish.
Below, you will find a compilation of major airlines operating in India
| Airline | Founded | Fleet Size | Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 2005 | 314 | 984 |
| Air India | 1932 | 120 | 497 |
| Vistara | 2013 | 61 | 9 |
| SpiceJet | 2004 | 58 | 199 |
| Go First | 2005 | 54 | 88 |
| AIX Connect | 2013 | 28 | — |
| Air India Express | 2005 | 26 | — |
| Akasa Air | 2021 | 19 | 57 |
Regional Airlines are smaller airlines that operate flights within a specific region or country. They connect smaller cities and towns, offering convenient air travel options to local passengers. These airlines typically have smaller aircraft and focus on providing efficient and affordable transportation services to regional destinations.
Here is the list of regional airlines operating in India
| Airline | Founded | Fleet Size | Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Air | 1996 | 21 | 1 |
| Star Air | 2019 | 7 | 2 |
| FlyBig | 2021 | 3 | 10 |
| IndiaOne Air | 2020 | 2 | 1 |
| Air Taxi | 2021 | 1 | — |
Cargo Airlines specialize in transporting goods and packages rather than passengers. They operate dedicated cargo aircraft to efficiently transport cargo across various destinations. These airlines play a vital role in global trade, delivering goods such as freight, packages, and perishable items, ensuring reliable and timely delivery to businesses and individuals worldwide
Here is the list of Cargo airlines operating in India
| Airline | Founded | Hubs | Fleet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Dart Aviation | 1994 | Chennai | 8 |
| Pradhaan Air Express | 2021 | Delhi | 1 |
| Quikjet Airlines | 2007 | Bengaluru | 2 |
| SpiceXpress | 2018 | Delhi | 6 |
| IndiGo CarGo | 2022 | Delhi | 2 |
Charter Airlines offer personalized air travel experiences for individuals, groups, or organizations. They provide exclusive flights tailored to specific requirements, such as leisure trips, business travel, or special events. Charter Airlines offer flexibility in choosing destinations, schedules, and onboard services, providing a convenient and customized air travel solution for their clients.
Here is the list of Charterairlines operating in India
| Airline | Founded | Hubs | Fleet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deccan Charters | 1997 | Bengaluru | 5 |
| Pawan Hans | 1985 | New Delhi | 43 |
| Club One Air | 2005 | New Delhi, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam | 4 |
| Global Vectra Helicorp | 1997 | Mumbai | 30 |
| Air One Aviation | 2007 | 3 | |
| India Fly Safe Aviation | 2010 | New Delhi | 6 |
| Karnavati Aviation | 2007 | 1 | |
| Pinnacle Air | 2004 | New Delhi | 8 |
| TajAir | 1993 | Mumbai | 3 |
| Ventura AirConnect | 2011 | Surat | 2 |
Ans: Yes, the airline industry offers a range of exciting career opportunities with potential for growth and diverse experiences.
Ans: Career options include pilots, flight attendants, aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, airport operations, customer service, aviation management, and more.
Ans: Educational requirements vary depending on the specific job. Pilots typically require flight training and a license, while other positions may require degrees, diplomas, or certifications related to aviation or relevant fields.
Ans: Yes, the airline industry offers various avenues for career advancement, such as moving into supervisory or managerial roles, transitioning to different departments, or specializing in specific areas.
Ans: Benefits can include travel privileges, competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement plans, flexible schedules, and opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Ans: Yes, certain roles like pilots, flight attendants, and airline staff may offer opportunities for international travel, allowing you to experience different cultures and destinations.
Ans: Yes, the airline industry can be impacted by economic conditions, fuel prices, geopolitical events, and other factors that influence travel demand. Its important to be aware of potential fluctuations in the industry.
Ans: Starting a career in the airline industry often involves researching job opportunities, meeting educational requirements, applying to airlines or aviation-related organizations, and undergoing necessary training or certification programs.
Ans: Skills such as excellent communication, problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, attention to detail, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are valued in the airline industry.