Distinguishing Airlines from Airways

Have you ever wondered why some air transport companies carrying passengers or freight are referred to as airlines, while others are called airways? Most people do not pay attention to the suffix used by the company, as long as it takes them to their intended destination. Whether it is British Airways or American Airlines, customers are generally happy as long as they arrive at their desired location. Many people believe that the two terms are synonymous or at least interchangeable. In this article, we will explore if airlines and airways are the same or if there is a difference between the two.

Key Takeaways

• Not all air transport companies prefer to be called airlines, and some choose different labels for marketing reasons.
• Some companies feel that “airways” is a more sophisticated suffix than “airline” and choose to use it in their names.
• There is no substantial difference between an air transport company called airways and one referred to as airlines, as it is a matter of choice for the companies to label themselves as such.

Not every air transport company in the world prefers to be called an airline. This preference is primarily why many such companies choose different labels. Some add the word “Air” at the end of their name, such as Korean Air, while others include the word “Air” as a prefix before their name, like Air France. The term “airlines” is also used differently, with most companies using the word as a suffix, such as Indian Airlines and American Airlines. One company, Delta Air Lines, even divides the word into two separate parts.

Different companies performing the same function choose to be called differently, primarily for marketing reasons. Some believe that keeping “airlines” in their name is a better option for attracting more passengers and freight. In contrast, others feel that “airways” is a more sophisticated suffix and choose to use it in their names.

In summary, there is no difference between an air transport company called airways and one referred to as airlines, as it is a matter of choice that they have labeled themselves as such.