GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 10, 2026

Indirect Air Carrier (IAC)

An indirect air carrier (IAC) operates when a business offers and assumes responsibility for air cargo without owning or operating aircraft.

Last updated: 10 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/section-171.8

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An indirect air carrier (IAC) operates when a business offers and assumes responsibility for air cargo without owning or operating aircraft. Under U.S. federal regulation (49 CFR 171.8), any person or entity that transports property by aircraft or holds itself out to the public as providing air transport services—while not being a direct air carrier—qualifies as an IAC. This intermediary assumes full liability for acceptance, handling, and delivery, but contracts the actual flight operations to an airline. Unlike direct air carriers, which operate their own fleets, IACs function as freight forwarders or brokers in air cargo logistics.

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Indirect Air Carrier (IAC)

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Related Terms

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