AS stands for which airline arrangement?

• A. Alaska Airlines
• B. Alaska Airlines, Operated by SkyWest Airlines
• C. American Eagle
• D. Automated Briefing System

Answer: (B)

Marketing and operating carrier roles are separate in aviation. AS is the IATA designator used for Alaska Airlines as the marketing carrier, meaning you’ll see Alaska’s flight numbers and branding. But the actual aircraft and crew may be provided by a partner under contract, such as SkyWest Airlines. That’s why the correct description is Alaska Airlines, operated by SkyWest Airlines—the flight is marketed by Alaska, but flown by SkyWest. The other options don’t reflect this common arrangement: Alaska Airlines alone would imply Alaska operates the flight itself, American Eagle refers to a different airline’s regional operation, and Automated Briefing System is unrelated to airline operation.