488190 - Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
Navigating the air transportation industry requires a robust ecosystem of specialized support services. NAICS code 488190, titled Other Support Activities for Air Transportation, plays a critical role in facilitating the seamless movement of air passengers and cargo. Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, or government agency, understanding this classification is essential for compliance, bidding, and growth opportunities within the Transportation and Warehousing sector.
What is NAICS Code 488190?
NAICS 488190 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing various support services for air transportation, but excluding airport operations and air traffic control functions. This includes vital activities like:
- Aircraft maintenance and repair
- Ground handling services
- Aircraft inspection and testing
- Fueling services on a contract or fee basis
- Passenger screening security (at airports, excluding airport management)
By specializing in these areas, companies under NAICS 488190 ensure the safety, efficiency, and operational readiness of air transportation.
Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing
This NAICS code falls under the broad Transportation and Warehousing sector, which encompasses all facets of moving goods and passengers. Support activities classified here are crucial in maintaining the infrastructure that allows airlines and cargo companies to operate smoothly.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Aircraft maintenance and repair services (excluding factory-level overhaul or rebuilding)
- Ground handling and air cargo support services
- Inspection, testing, and ferrying of aircraft
- Airport passenger screening security services (contracted)
- Fueling aircraft on a contract or fee basis
- Independent pilot services (excluding owner-operators)
NAICS 488190 Size Standard for Eligibility
For small business classification and government contracting purposes, the size standard for NAICS code 488190 is set at $40 million in average annual receipts. This threshold determines eligibility for small business programs and preferences under federal procurement laws.
Examples of Businesses under NAICS Code 488190
To better understand the scope, here are common types of businesses or activities that fall within this classification:
- Aircraft maintenance and repair shops specializing in routine upkeep and minor repairs
- Ground handling companies offering services like baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, and loading/unloading
- Air cargo handling firms managing logistics and transit operations at airports
- Contract passenger screening providers working alongside airport security agencies
- Independent pilots hired for ferrying aircraft (except owner-operators)
Detailed Code Breakdown
| Activity / Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Aircraft ferrying services | Transporting aircraft from one location to another without passengers or cargo |
| Aircraft inspection services | Performing safety and maintenance inspections on aircraft |
| Aircraft maintenance and repair services | Routine maintenance and repairs excluding factory-level overhaul or rebuild |
| Aircraft testing services | Testing aircraft for safety, performance, or compliance |
| Airport passenger screening security services | Contracted security screening for passengers at airports |
| Fueling aircraft on a contract or fee basis | Contractual or fee-for-service aircraft fueling |
| Independent pilot, air (except owner-operators) | Pilots contracted for specific flights or ferrying operations |
| Inspection services, aircraft | Specialized inspection of aircraft components or systems |
| Maintenance and repair services, aircraft | Maintenance and repair outside of factory conversions and overhauls |
| Testing services, aircraft | Testing functions performed on aircraft for certification or safety |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What businesses qualify under NAICS 488190?
Businesses primarily providing support services directly linked to air transportation—such as aircraft maintenance, inspection, testing, ground handling, and passenger screening—are classified under NAICS 488190.
Does NAICS 488190 include airport operations?
No, airport operations and air traffic control services are excluded. This code strictly covers support activities outside those specific airport management functions.
What is the size standard for NAICS 488190?
The current size standard is $40 million in average annual receipts, defining eligibility for small business status in federal contracting.
Can independent pilots be classified under this code?
Yes, independent pilots (excluding owner-operators) providing ferrying or other contracted flights fall under this NAICS classification.
Are aircraft fueling services included?
Yes, fueling aircraft on a contract or fee basis is a recognized activity within this code.
Conclusion
NAICS code 488190 - Other Support Activities for Air Transportation is a pivotal classification within the transportation sector, encapsulating a wide array of essential air support services. From aircraft maintenance to ground handling and passenger screening, businesses categorized here contribute directly to the backbone of aviation operations. Whether you’re pursuing government contracts, growing your aerospace service company, or just exploring industry classifications, a solid understanding of NAICS 488190 is invaluable.
For businesses operating in or targeting air transportation support activities, ensuring proper classification and compliance with size standards (up to $40 million in revenue) can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
Leverage this guide to optimize your business positioning, win government contracts, and stay ahead in the competitive air transportation support industry.
