Definition
A non-operational message transmitted between an aircraft and its operator's company (such as an airline dispatch or operations center) concerning matters like scheduling, maintenance, passenger handling, fuel, or other business of the flight. Company messages are distinct from air traffic control communications and are typically sent over a discrete company frequency, ACARS data link, or relayed through a communications service.
Plain English
A message between the aircraft and the airline's own operations people about business matters like delays, maintenance, or passenger needs — not a message to or from air traffic control.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying, airline or dispatch operations, and aircraft data-link systems where crews receive information from their own operator during a flight.
Derivation
Company comes from an older word meaning a group of people associated together, and later came to mean a business or operator. Message comes from a word meaning something sent. In aviation, the phrase points to information sent by the aircraft operator rather than by ATC.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to incorporate company-specific safety and clearance information when using OROCA or other off-route altitudes.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “company message” means any official aviation instruction. Here, “company” means the aircraft operator, and a company message is separate from an ATC clearance.
Example Sentence 1
After landing, the crew sent a company message reporting a minor maintenance issue so the gate team could have a mechanic ready.
Example Sentence 2
A company message updated the crew on temporary obstructions along the planned IFR route.