This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing air transportation of passengers and/or cargo over regular routes and on regular schedules. Establishments in this industry operate flights even if partially loaded. Establishments primarily engaged in providing scheduled air transportation of mail on a contract basis are included in this industry.

For the 2007 Economic Census, but not the 2007 Survey of Business Owners or 2007 Economic Census of Island Areas, large certificated air passenger carriers are included in the 2007 data, affecting comparability for this industry. For the 2002 Economic Census, the 2002 Survey of Business Owners, and the 2002 Economic Census of Island Areas, large certificated air passenger carriers were not included.