Well, as far as I'm concerned a 'real' airline is one which:
- Treats its passengers with courtesy
- Does not abandon its passengers to their own fate should the aircraft become unserviceable
- Has a decent level of customer services
- Does not indulge in high pressure sales tactics throughout the flight
- Does not cut every possible corner, in order to maximise profits
- Does not challenge its commanders' fuel decisions
- Does not consider a Mayday event to be 'routine'
- Is run by someone who both respects and is respected by customers and employees alike
- Employs its own aircrew
- Employs its own cabin crew