FOREIGN AFFAIRS Beijing goes ‘boo’, Qantas gets in a flap*

The evocative term “flag carrier” dates back to the early days of aviation, when men wore suits to fly and their companions wore formal dresses. Flying was glamorous – and expensive. Even a short trip could cost several months’ wages. Commonly, men joined the Commonwealth Public Service in the expectation of earning a trip overseas – by air, or course. “Flag carriers” were so called because they were the national airlines. Often, they literally ca…

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