# ATK

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atk
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

Stands for Available Tonne Kilometres. A way to measure how much cargo or how many passengers an airline can carry over a certain distance.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Available Tonne Kilometres. A metric representing the total transport capacity of an airline, calculated by multiplying the payload capacity in tonnes by the distance flown.

## Examples

- The airline increased its ATK by adding larger planes to the fleet.
- Industry analysts use ATK to compare the efficiency and capacity growth of different international carriers.
- Despite a reduction in the total number of flights, the carrier maintained its ATK by deploying high-capacity wide-body aircraft on its most profitable long-haul routes.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural form when comparing data across different time periods or airlines.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.