Location identifier

Location Identifier – JetOptions Aviation Glossary

A location identifier is a symbolic code representing the name and geographic location of an airport, navigation aid (NAVAID), weather station, or other aviation facility. These identifiers are used in aviation operations for air traffic control (ATC), flight planning, telecommunications, computer systems, and weather reporting worldwide.

Location identifiers can vary in structure and format depending on the governing organization and geographic region. These codes ensure accurate communication between pilots, dispatchers, ground controllers, and regulatory systems.

Types of Location Identifiers

There are several common location identifier formats used in aviation:

• ICAO Codes – Four-letter airport codes issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These are used globally for air traffic control and flight operations. Example: KLAX for Los Angeles International Airport.
• IATA Codes – Three-letter codes issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), typically used for airline booking and ticketing. Example: LAX for Los Angeles.
• FAA Location Identifiers—Assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these may include both alphanumeric and three-letter codes. They are used primarily within the U.S. national airspace system.

Uses in Aviation and Air Traffic Services

Location identifiers are used across a wide range of aviation systems and functions:

• Flight plans and routing
• Weather reporting (METAR, TAF, NOTAMs)
• Air navigation databases
• Automated terminal information systems (ATIS)
• Air traffic control communications

They also appear in digital flight management systems (FMS), GPS avionics, aviation weather systems, and charter flight planning applications like those used by JetOptions.

Examples of Location Identifiers

• EGLL – ICAO code for London Heathrow Airport
• JFK – IATA and FAA code for John F. Kennedy International Airport
• BFI – ICAO and FAA code for Boeing Field/King County International Airport

Location Identifiers and JetOptions Private Jet Travel

JetOptions uses location identifiers in every aspect of flight coordination—from selecting the nearest destination airport to ensuring precision routing and FBO scheduling. Whether flying to a major hub or a remote airfield, we rely on accurate coding standards to support a safe and seamless flight experience.

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