What does the acronym AOC stand for related to airline operations?

The acronym AOC stands for Air Operator Certificate, which is a crucial authorization issued by the relevant aviation regulatory authority to an airline or air operator. The AOC indicates that the operator has met the necessary regulations and standards to perform commercial air transport operations, ensuring compliance with safety, operational, and management requirements.

Obtaining an AOC involves thorough checks on the operator's safety management systems, maintenance practices, and training programs, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high standards of aviation safety. This certification is essential for airlines as it legitimizes their operations, allowing them to transport passengers and cargo commercially. The AOC is a vital component of aviation regulations designed to ensure that operators can safely conduct flight operations, thus maintaining public trust in air travel.

The other options, while they may include relevant components of aviation operation terminology, do not define AOC within the standardized industry context.