Code-Sharing Agreements

In the context of aviation, Code-Sharing Agreements refer to a business arrangement between two or more airlines where an airline places its designator code on a flight operated by another airline and sells tickets for that flight. These agreements allow airlines to expand their network and offer passengers more destinations without having to operate additional flights. The airline that operates the flight is known as the operating carrier, while the airline that sells tickets for the flight but does not operate it is known as the marketing carrier. Code-sharing agreements can be bilateral or multilateral, and they often form part of larger airline alliances. They are subject to approval by aviation regulatory bodies and can involve complex negotiations over issues such as revenue sharing, scheduling, and operational standards. While code-sharing agreements can benefit airlines and passengers by providing more travel options and seamless service, they can also lead to confusion and dissatisfaction if passengers are not aware that they may be flying on a different airline than the one they booked with.