Pop Quiz: Which Countries Still Have Flagship Carriers?
Most airlines around the world exist through state or private ownership, or a combination of the two.
Former state-owned airlines, such as British Airways and Qantas, have denationalized. However, there are still some countries that maintain a state-owned (wholly or partially), flag carrier that represents the nation wherever it flies.
We’ve collected the most well-known flag carriers here. Can you name the other airlines with state-owned flag carriers?
Well-Known Flag Carriers
Historically, flag carriers were airlines owned by the government of their home country and represented the nation’s culture and traditions. The following airlines are examples of flag carriers that symbolize their nations through cuisine, colors, and fashion.
Singapore Airlines
The Singaporean government has a 51% ownership of Singapore Airlines. The carrier boasts its nation’s culture through traditional cuisines, such as pak choy and Singapore-style nonya chicken curry, and its sarong kebayas worn by flight attendants (known as Singapore Girls).
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South African Airways
South African Airways (SAA) is another well-known, state-owned airline that has incorporated its country’s landscapes, traditional textiles, and craft heritage into its aircraft interiors, such as the diamond pattern on the galley curtains and earthy colors on the seats. However, the airline has been struggling financially even before the coronavirus pandemic hit, so there is uncertainty about SAA’s survivability.
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Cayman Airways
Cayman Airways is another popular state-owned airline. The carrier says its inflight experience is “synonymous with the Caymankind approach to life in the Cayman Islands.” Its aircraft liveries sport the country’s flag and coat of arms, which is symbolic of the Cayman people and the three islands that make up the territory. Furthermore, the inflight experience also boasts Cayman culture, from the free seven fathoms rum punch to the ascot worn by the flight attendants.
Although many parts of the world have denationalized their airline industry, there are dozens of wholly or partially state-owned carriers that are still operating today, such as Aeroflot, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
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I know Air India is the flagship airline owned by the Indian government. I hope it can salvage itself from ruins.
Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Air Tahiti( local as Tahiti is part of France). Moderator can you put my last few comments together as one. Thanks.
Air New Zealand too
Austrian Airline, owned by Lufthansa. Nice business class with on board chef. Really good wine selection. Wish I could fly it more.
Belavia of Belarus.