Ah, the perils of loosing the public, via the AFR:
When Qantas announced it was running a competition through which members of the public will name the airline’s eight new Dreamliners, it was only ever courting trouble.
With more than 8000 entries already in, is it any wonder that the leading suggestion isn’t “Charles Ulm” or “Macedon Ranges”, but “David Boon”?
We seriously doubt Alan Joyce will countenance such a larrikin dedication, even if the first four 787-9s will be rotating through the direct, new Perth-London route, commencing on March 24 next year.
Come now, this is positively sober. Recall the Poms last year, via the BBC:
The UK’s new polar research ship is to be named RRS Sir David Attenborough, despite the title “Boaty McBoatface” previously topping a public vote.
A website inviting name suggestions had attracted huge interest, with Boaty McBoatface the runaway favourite.
But Science Minister Jo Johnson said there were “more suitable” names.
On Friday, days before Sir David turns 90, it was announced that the £200m vessel will be named after the world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster.
Sir David said he was “truly honoured” by the decision.
While the polar ship itself will not be named Boaty McBoatface, one of its remotely operated sub-sea vehicles will be named Boaty in recognition of the vote.
James Hand, who first suggested the flippant moniker, said he was pleased the name would “live on”.
God bless the Poms and if their government can’t match the public’s sense of humour then we should honor it ourselves.
Piey McPieface for the Dreamliner.
