Analysis
NAICS 48111 is the 2022 NAICS industry for scheduled air transportation, part of 4811 (Scheduled Air Transportation). Census lists 15 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 2,233 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 501,126 people at an average annual payroll of $101,948 per employee (85th percentile of national industries). 33% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Across its national industries Census lists 15 index entries; typical ones are air commuter carriers, scheduled and air cargo carriers (except air couriers), scheduled.
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 481111 (Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation) with 1,858.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 49211, 48121 and 48799. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, providing air courier services are classified in 49211 (Couriers and Express Delivery Services) instead.
Official definition
This industry 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.
Illustrative Examples:
Air commuter carriers, scheduled Scheduled air passenger carriers Scheduled air cargo carriers (except air couriers) Scheduled helicopter passenger carriers
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing air courier services | 49211 Couriers and Express Delivery Services |
| Providing air transportation of passengers, cargo, or specialty flying services with no regular routes and regular schedules | 48121 Nonscheduled Air Transportation |
| Providing helicopter rides for scenic and sightseeing transportation | 48799 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other |
Index entries (15)
- Air commuter carriers, scheduled
- Air cargo carriers (except air couriers), scheduled