flag carrier

名词noun

1. 1A person carrying a standard or flag, usually at sporting events and parades, previously on the battlefield.
2. 2(politics) A strong supporter of a cause, or perhaps the strongest and most visible supporter of said cause.
3. 3(business) A transportation company, such as a shipping or airline company, that is registered in a given state.
4. 4(aviation) A national airline (typically having the flag, or other national insignia, on the tail).
5. 5(military, nautical) An aircraft carrier serving as a flagship.