Who is classified as an air carrier?

A person who engages in air transportation through lease or other arrangements is classified as an air carrier because they are directly involved in the operation of transporting passengers or cargo via aircraft as part of a commercial service. Air carriers are primarily defined by their provision of air transportation for compensation or hire, which distinguishes them from manufacturers, regulatory bodies, or private pilots.

In this context, a company that manufactures aircraft focuses on the production of planes rather than the operation of air transport services. A government agency overseeing aviation safety is responsible for regulations and safety standards, but it does not engage in transportation itself. Likewise, a pilot operating aircraft privately conducts personal flying and is not operating as a commercial entity unless they are providing services for hire. Thus, the role of an air carrier is specifically tied to the provision of air transportation services for payment, making the classification of the person engaging in such activities accurate.