Marine Commanders were esteemed. In 1919 Air Transport Commanders were aligned with them - could logically have been aligned with omnibus drivers. In 1950s, Marine, in 1970s, Air Transport became a high-volume commodity (see Cross-Channel steam packet, an elite cruise experience, becoming cattle-truck; see Southwest, Laker Skytrain: "coach"). More Command slots, less esteem. Bus drivers seeking esteem become private chauffeurs. Call NetJets: there are more bizjet Commands today than jetliner P1/P2 in the 1970s. What you can't have is lots of high-priced berths, 'cos the common carrier can't sell the tickets to pay for them. See MaxJet &tc.