IATA Airline Code

Definition

A two-character code (IATA designator) assigned to each airline for use in reservations, ticketing, and air waybill documentation. Codes can be two letters (e.g., CA for Air China, LH for Lufthansa, EK for Emirates) or an alphanumeric combination. The numeric version (3 digits) appears as the first three digits of an air waybill number. In time-critical logistics, the airline code on the AWB identifies the carrier responsible for the shipment and determines the applicable conditions of carriage.