Countries around the region as well as the US, France and Australia are joining the search over the Java sea.  The Airbus A320-200, carrying 162 people, disappeared on Sunday shortly after leaving Surabaya in eastern Java on its way to Singapore.

The jetliner is much more than a machine used to get from one spot to another.  It can represent hope, modernity and a country's power. And when things go wrong, that once mighty plane can bring about deep national disgrace.

Only the most gullible or optimistic Italians ever believed that the Phoenix Project launched with great fanfare five years ago would allow Alitalia, Italy’s bankrupt flag-carrier, to soar to profitability. Half-year results approved on September 26th showed a net loss of €294m ($386m), taking total losses since the end of 2008 to well over €1 billion. Its share capital eroded, bleeding cash, with only €128m left, including unused credit lines, Alitalia has run into near-terminal turbulence.