‘Spirit of Australia’? The idea of the national carrier is long dead
- Posted on April 28, 2026
- By The Sydney Morning Herald
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- 1 min read
The concept of national airlines as symbols of pride and sovereignty has become increasingly obsolete in today's globalized aviation market. While governments historically invested in flagship carriers to represent their nations internationally, modern economic realities and competitive pressures have rendered this model outdated. Contemporary airlines operate on commercial principles rather than patriotic missions, forcing stakeholders to reconsider whether state-sponsored carriers still serve their intended purpose in supporting citizens and projecting national identity.
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