'airling' originates from English, specifically the word 'air,' where 'air' meant 'the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth.'

'air' combined with the suffix '-ling,' which is used to denote a diminutive or young form, eventually became the modern English word 'airling.'

Initially, it meant 'a young or small form of air,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a young or inexperienced person, especially in aviation.'