To say that air transport is a complicated business is trite but nevertheless true. Only part of the job of providing service to the public is done by the airline itself. To operate efficiently in the complex environment of the world's airways, some clearly defined, some not, an airline requires a co-ordinated system of highly developed technical equipment, skilled personnel and competent management, largely financed by Government authorities who believe it is in their best interests to do so. In the beginning, the airlines were creatures of Government, either actually owned by them or supported and subsidised by them in one way or another. Then and now, the airlines are subject to close Governmental control both as regards their technical standards and performance and their commercial environment. The airline industry has now grown up and is big business. Many airlines are still owned by Governments wholly or in part but all are now expected to operate on a commercial basis.