An airline with close association with a nation is often named as a flag carrier. Flag carriers were initially state-owned or at least government-supported, during a time when the costs of operating independently were too high. It was also in the interest of governments to have an airline that represented their country.

National pride

In 1944, 54 representatives from different countries came together as part of the Chicago Convention. Here, the idea of countries having their flags carried on aircraft liveries across the world started to draw appeal.

Founded in 27th May, 1995, Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam (Cre: VNA).

Due to the relationships grown, flag carriers still continued to receive support from governments even after the emergence of other, independent airlines. These national airlines are often used for political and economic motives.

VNA operates an average of 400 flights per day, connecting the world’s major cities to mesmerizing travel destinations in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar (Cre: VNA).

Leaving a legacy

Even after gaining autonomy, certain airlines continue to be dubbed ‘flag carriers’ due to their popularity and their patriotic name. British Airways is still called often called the United Kingdom’s flag carrier, despite the state relinquishing ownership in 1987. The airline is so popular that Virgin Atlantic issued a challenge to become the UK’s second national carrier behind BA.

British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom (Cre: BA).

Some airlines are subject to nationalization purely because of a country’s economic policy. This can be seen with Air China, which operates with backing from companies owned by China’s government.

Other countries hold more than one flag carrier. This is the case in the United Arab Emirates, with Etihad Airways and Emirates operating from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively. These brands do much more than just gain revenue from airline ticket sales. These airlines also help boost tourism, trade and public relations in the country through extensive business models.

Airlines such as Emirates play a huge part in a country’s national economy (Cre: Emirates). 

Cre: Simple Flying

Nguyen Mai Huong-COMM