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Understanding aircraft codes: IATA and ICAO systems explained

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Understanding aircraft codes: IATA and ICAO systems explained
Policy
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Salvatore Sciacchitano International Civil Aviation Organization Council President | ICAO

Commercial aircraft are categorized using alphanumeric codes defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These codes help designate aircraft types and modifications, and are essential for air traffic control, flight planning, and airline management systems. The ICAO codes are predominantly referenced in aviation databases like Cirium and Flightradar24 and emphasize performance characteristics relevant to air traffic control operations.

ICAO aircraft codes typically start with a manufacturer-specific letter, followed by numeric representations of the aircraft type and subtype. For example, the ICAO designation for the Boeing 737-200 is 'B732'. In contrast, IATA codes, defined in the 'Appendix A of the Standard Schedules Information Manual' (SSIM), focus on distinguishing aircraft types based on commercial attributes like size and interior configuration, without indicating manufacturer details. For instance, the Boeing 737-200 is represented in IATA simply as '732'.

The two systems underscore differences in code designation practices. While ICAO codes indicate manufacturer with an initial letter, IATA codes use numeric identifiers without any prefix. Specific cases display this contrast: the Boeing 787-8 uses ICAO code 'B788' and IATA code '788'; the Airbus A321 maintains 'A321' (ICAO) but '321' in IATA, with further modifications such as the A321 with sharklets labeled '32B'.

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Airline and airport codes are also part of the IATA's responsibilities, assigning two-letter airline codes and three-letter airport codes. For example, JetBlue is coded 'B6' and Delta Air Lines 'DL', whereas New York's JFK Airport uses 'JFK' and Los Angeles International Airport 'LAX'.

Codes evolve not only with updated aircraft variants but also with industry standards. Boeing has labeled its 737-300 Freighter as '73Y' under IATA rules due to character limitations. Yet, each aviation coding system maintains specific guidelines to accommodate existing types and ongoing developments.

Additionally, several notable aircraft have unique codes. The Airbus A380 is known by the ICAO as 'A38X' and IATA as '380'. Military aircraft such as the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy and Antonov An-124 Ruslan are identified as 'C5M' and 'A124', respectively. As aircraft types and systems continue to evolve, these coding frameworks are integral to maintaining organization within the aviation industry.

Organizations Included in this History
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