Airline Callsigns and Codes
[wpdatatable id=28]
This database is an amalgamation of ICAO Doc 8585 and IATA Airline Coding Directory (ACD).
All information presented in this database refers to companies/agencies who are registered with either ICAO or IATA. Depending on their business type, operators may not be required to register for all of the “standard” codes. Some may not be registered with either authority (usually military or government traffic).
For aircraft whose callsign or code does not appear here please search the non-standard directory.
ICAO registers voice callsigns and 3 letter identifiers (alternatively referred to as 3LDs, Mode S Code and SSR code). The 3 letter code is generally used in air traffic as a short hand means of identifying the operator. The codes used on flight tracking websites are ICAO 3LDs taken directly from the SSR broadcast of the aircraft.
ICAO uses the following shorthand for companies registered with them but do not have a callsign/3LD:
… Not allocated a three-letter designator.
+ Assignment postponed.
– Assignment not requested.
IATA registers 2 character identifiers and 3 number accounting codes (Not listed in this database).
2 character codes can be made up of either letters or numbers and are generally used on the passenger side of operations. You are more likely to see an airlines IATA code used on tickets or airport schedule boards than ICAO.
IATA accounting (also known as prefix) codes are used by companies internally and externally for ticketing, coordination and billing etc.
Codes marked with an asterix [*] indicate a “controlled duplicate”. A code which is used by more than one regional airline. Controlled duplicates are issued to airlines whose destinations are not likely to overlap.
In addition to airlines, IATA codes can be issued to other entities involved in air transport including handling agencies, railway and maritime companies.
RAF Air Experience / University Air Squadrons use a Uniform callsign. The first letter is always Uniform followed by 2 letters unique to the unit. On first contact with an air traffic authority the aircraft will use the full phonetic call sign. In subsequent transmissions, unless instructed by the controller, the aircraft will revert to a Uniform only callsign.
13 Air Experience Flight is assigned UAI.
- Flight ID – UAI27
- First contact callsign – Uniform Alpha India Two Seven
- Subsequent callsign – Uniform Two Seven