.aero is the domain suffix for the aviation industry. It belongs to the newer top level domains which became operational in the beginning of 2002. Only authorities, companies and natural persons (e.g. pilots) of the aviation industry are allowed to register them. All registrants have to be part of this group in a broader sense.

The proof of the fact that you are part of the aviation community is being made by using an identifier that you can apply for via Knipp. This identifier can be used to register as many domains as you wish.

Often interesting domain names are already taken below the common top level domains, especially the short and easy memorizable names. But typically these domain names are of vital importance for the travel and aviation industry. Just think of 3-letter airport indentifiers, for example, or flight numbers.

This is where the .aero domain comes in to fill the gap. The most interesting domain names can be registered by eligible parties. And all that without the risk of losing the domains to the holders of name rights of other industries, because they cannot take over the domain name by legal action.

.aero domains can be used in the same way as the well known .com, .net, or .de domains. For example for web or e-mail addresses.