The International Air Transport group (IATA), which represents over 290 airlines and 82% of global air travel, is the trade group for airlines. Its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada, where it was established in 1945. The goal of IATA is to represent, guide, and support the airline industry. It does this by offering a variety of services to its members, such as advocacy, training, and consultancy.
The creation of uniform codes for airlines, airports, and other entities involved in air travel is one of IATA’s most significant achievements to the aviation sector. For instance, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York has the IATA code JFK, but American Airlines has AA. Airlines, travel companies, and other businesses utilize these codes to simplify booking, ticketing, baggage management, and other elements of air travel. What it stands for and why it matters, according to YYC
Calgary International Airport, one of Canada’s major airports, has the IATA code YYC. The city was formerly known as Calgary until 1904, when its name was changed to YYC, which is the Blackfoot word for “elbow,” referring to the city’s location at the bend of the Bow River. In order to make it simpler for passengers to book flights and travel to this location, airlines and travel companies use the airport’s code to identify the airport in their systems.
Why are airports given presidential names? Presidents, prime ministers, and other elected figures all have airports named after them all around the world. This is frequently done to celebrate these figures’ accomplishments to their nations or to acknowledge their part in the growth of aviation. Some of the busiest airports in the United States, for instance John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia, are named after presidents.
Not all airports are named for presidents, but many are. Others are named for significant figures like illustrious aviators, scientists, or figures from popular culture. For instance, London’s Heathrow Airport bears the name of a former nearby settlement, whereas Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport bears the name of a previous French president and military figure. Some airports, like Los Angeles International Airport or Denver International Airport, are also given their geographic names.
The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is named after naval aviator and World War II hero Edward “Butch” O’Hare, who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in battle. O’Hare was born and raised in Chicago, and after graduating from the US Naval Academy, he entered the aviation industry. The brave acts he took in 1942, when he went up against a group of Japanese bombers by himself and took out six of them, are what made him most famous. This action prevented the loss of his aircraft carrier. In honor of O’Hare, who died in combat in 1943, the airport bears his name.
IATA provides standard codes for airlines, airports, and other businesses involved in air travel, making it a key body in the aviation sector. The Calgary International Airport’s IATA code, YYC, is used to distinguish the airport in reservation systems. Some airports are called after their geographical location, while others are named after presidents, leaders, or other noteworthy people. Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a naval aviator who gave his life for his country during World War II, is the inspiration behind Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s name.