What term describes the airline operating in the first leg of a passenger’s journey?

The correct term that describes the airline operating in the first leg of a passenger’s journey is "Originating Airline." This term specifically refers to the airline that begins the passenger's trip, handling the initial segment of travel from the point of departure to the next stop, which may be a connecting flight or the final destination. Understanding this distinction is essential as it helps identify the airline responsible for starting the travel itinerary.

The other options do not accurately capture the role of the airline in this context. "Utility Airline" is not a recognized term in relation to commercial aviation for passenger journeys. "Operating Airline" refers generally to the airline providing the service in any leg of the journey, which could include further connections, but it does not specifically denote the airline for the first leg. "Destination Airline" suggests the airline servicing the final segment of a trip, which is not relevant when identifying the initial carrier involved in a passenger's journey.