Unique in its depth and comparative framework, Government Birds is also the first work to explore both the historical roots of the dynamic process of 'statization' and the reasons why state involvement was logical and even necessary at crucial points in the evolution of the air transport industry.

Giandomenico Majone, European University Institute

Here is a useful new assessment of how and why European airlines developed the way they have. Given the increasing pace of privatization in Europe, this new study is especially timely in providing a sense of context. After reading this you will better understand why Sabena and Swissair did not make it-and why other flag carriers may succumb as well.

Airways

Government Birds is a must for scholars of air transport.

The Journal Of Transport History

A new, important, and unique analysis of the relationship between state and airline in Western Europe that is tightly focused, engagingly written, and imaginative. The scholarship is extremely impressive, and the research extensive. Indispensable to aviation scholars and very valuable for scholars and advanced students in public policy, political economy, and European politics.

Hussein Kassim, University of London