Airliner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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airliner

[ˈɛrˌlaɪnər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

commercial flight

An airliner is a type of aircraft specifically designed for transporting passengers and cargo on scheduled flights. These planes usually have a large passenger capacity and are operated by airlines that provide air transportation services. Airliners typically feature amenities such as comfortable seating, restrooms, and in-flight entertainment. Safety regulations and comfortable travel are paramount, making airliners equipped with advanced technological systems. Airliners can vary in size from regional jets to large, long-haul aircraft.

Synonyms

aircraft, commercial aircraft, jet, plane.

Examples of usage

  • The airliner took off on schedule.
  • Passengers boarded the airliner for their trip.
  • The airliner was equipped with Wi-Fi for the flight.
  • She works for an airliner as a flight attendant.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • The first scheduled air service began in 1914, operating between St. Petersburg, Florida, and Key West.
  • By the late 1950s, jet aircraft transformed air travel, drastically reducing travel time and making it accessible to more people.

Technology

  • Modern airliners use advanced materials like carbon-fiber composites to make them lighter and more fuel-efficient.
  • Many of today's airliners are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that help pilots fly safely even in bad weather.

Economics

  • Air travel significantly impacts global trade, with air freight being essential for shipping perishable goods quickly across continents.
  • The airline industry creates millions of jobs worldwide, supporting both direct employment and related sectors like tourism and hospitality.

Culture

  • Air travel is often romanticized in films and literature, representing adventure and the ability to explore new worlds.
  • Airliners play a crucial role in uniting cultures, as they facilitate international travel and cultural exchange.

Origin of 'airliner'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'air,' representing the atmosphere and flight, and 'liner,' which comes from 'line,' meaning a regular route.
  • Before the 1930s, flying was mostly for the rich, but the term 'airliner' helped popularize commercial flying for everyone.

The term 'airliner' began to appear in the early 20th century, coinciding with the advent of commercial aviation. Initially, the use of airplanes for passenger transport started after World War I, and by the 1920s, several airlines were established. The word 'airliner' itself is a combination of 'air,' relating to aviation, and 'liner,' which suggests a regular service, similar to ocean liners that transported passengers across seas. Over time, advancements in aviation technology resulted in the development of larger and more efficient aircraft, which led to an increase in commercial air travel worldwide. Today, airliners are an essential part of global transportation, connecting cities and continents at an unprecedented scale.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,611, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.