48819 - Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

The air transportation industry is a vital part of today’s global economy, enabling millions of people and tons of cargo to move swiftly across the globe. Supporting this dynamic industry are specialized services captured under NAICS code 48819 — Other Support Activities for Air Transportation. Whether you are a business owner, government contractor, or industry analyst, gaining insight into this NAICS classification is essential for understanding the scope of air transportation support services and identifying relevant opportunities.

What is NAICS Code 48819?

NAICS Code 48819 is classified under the Transportation and Warehousing sector and specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities for air transportation, but excluding airport operations and air traffic control services. This includes a wide array of crucial functions such as:

Aircraft maintenance services
Ground handling of aircraft
Air cargo handling services
Other specialized support activities that enable the smooth operation of air transportation systems

NAICS Code 48819 Description:

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities for air transportation, except airport operations and air traffic control. These activities include aircraft maintenance, ground handling, and other related services.

Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS 48819 falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector, a cornerstone of the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. The sector is responsible for moving passengers and freight as well as supporting services that keep the transportation infrastructure operational and efficient.

Typical business activities that belong to NAICS 48819 include:

Aircraft Maintenance Services: Repair, overhaul, and upkeep of aircraft to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Ground Handling Services: Baggage handling, aircraft marshaling, towing, and cleaning services executed while aircraft are on the ground.
Air Cargo Handling Services: Loading, unloading, and sorting air freight and related logistics support.

Size Standards & Eligibility

The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines size standards for NAICS code 48819 as follows:

NAICS Code	Industry Title	Size Standard (Employees)	Size Standard (Annual Receipts)
48819	Other Support Activities for Air Transportation	Up to 1,500 employees	Typically based on number of employees

Note: Most businesses classified under 48819 qualify as small businesses if they have fewer than 1,500 employees. This size standard helps government agencies evaluate whether a business is eligible to compete for small business set-aside contracts in this category.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 48819

Businesses operating under this NAICS code are essential to the aviation industry but do not include the actual operation of airports or air traffic control. Examples include:

Independent aircraft repair and maintenance companies
Companies providing ground handling services at multiple airports
Firms specializing in air cargo logistics and handling
Specialized service providers offering aircraft cleaning, fueling support, and de-icing

These companies play a critical role in ensuring flights depart safely and on time while supporting the logistics of air cargo.

NAICS Code 48819 Details Table

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	48819
Title	Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
Sector	Transportation and Warehousing
Industry Description	Support activities for air transportation excluding airport operations and air traffic control
Typical Activities	Aircraft maintenance, ground handling, air cargo handling
Size Standard	Up to 1,500 employees
Excludes	Airport operations, air traffic control

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of companies fall under NAICS 48819?

Companies providing aircraft maintenance, ground handling (such as baggage and aircraft towing), and air cargo handling services fall under this code.

Does NAICS 48819 include airport operations?

No, this NAICS code explicitly excludes airport operations and air traffic control services.

What is the size standard for small businesses in this category?

Typically, businesses with up to 1,500 employees are considered small for NAICS 48819.

Why is NAICS 48819 important for government contracting?

Many government contracts require businesses to be classified under specific NAICS codes. Understanding if your business fits NAICS 48819 can help you pursue federal contracts related to air transportation support services.

Can companies providing air traffic control services use NAICS 48819?

No, air traffic control services have separate NAICS codes and are not included under 48819.

Conclusion

NAICS Code 48819 — Other Support Activities for Air Transportation — is a critical classification for businesses supporting the aviation sector beyond airport and control tower operations. From aircraft maintenance to ground and cargo handling, these services ensure that air transportation runs smoothly and efficiently. For companies seeking federal contracts or expanding in the transportation and warehousing sector, understanding NAICS 48819 can open doors to new market opportunities.

By clearly identifying which activities fall under this code and understanding eligibility criteria, businesses can better position themselves in the competitive market of air transportation support services.

Keywords: NAICS code 48819, air transportation support, aircraft maintenance, ground handling services, air cargo handling, transportation and warehousing NAICS, small business size standard, government contracting air transportation

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