An entity facilitating air transportation of property or passengers without operating the aircraft involved is a key player in the aviation industry. This type of carrier arranges for the carriage of goods or people but relies on direct air carriers to provide the actual flight. For example, a freight forwarder consolidating multiple shipments into a larger load and tendering it to an airline for transport would fall under this category; similarly, a tour operator packaging flights on scheduled airlines with hotels and ground transportation acts in this capacity for passengers.
The role of these entities is critical for several reasons. They expand market reach for direct air carriers, providing access to customers and cargo volumes that might otherwise be unattainable. Furthermore, they often offer specialized services such as customs brokerage, warehousing, and door-to-door delivery, adding value to the overall transportation chain. Historically, these businesses evolved to streamline logistics and meet the demands of increasingly complex global supply chains and travel markets.