What an airline code is
Most airlines are identified in air freight documents by a short carrier code rather than their full legal name. The two-character IATA airline designator (for example, AC for Air Canada or LH for Lufthansa) is the prefix you see at the start of an air waybill number, in flight schedules, and in many booking systems. Because the same carrier can trade under slightly different names in different markets, the code is often the most reliable way to confirm which airline a quote, schedule, or shipment update actually refers to.
How to use this lookup
The page loads the airline reference list automatically and groups entries so you can scan them quickly. You can either browse the list and click an entry to open its details, or type at least two characters in the search box to filter by airline English name, code, or website. Search is only a filter on the loaded data, so clearing it returns you to the full grouped list.
How to read each field
- Code is the carrier abbreviation used on documents and waybill prefixes.
- English name is the internationally recognised airline name to use in quotes and correspondence.
- Website is the carrier reference link for cargo policies, embargoes, and contact channels.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent error is confusing a two-letter airline code with a three-letter airport code, which describes a place rather than a carrier. Teams also assume that a familiar brand name maps to a single legal entity, when large groups operate several subsidiaries with separate cargo handling. Finally, carrier names change after mergers and rebrands, so an old internal abbreviation may no longer match the current designator. Confirm the code against the English name before reusing it in a new quote.
Important note
Use this page as a reference tool only. Final booking availability, route service, transit time, and cargo acceptance rules must be confirmed with the airline, freight forwarder, or carrier agent.