Crossword Genius

Comic opera on the way in air transport (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aeroplane

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'air transport' is the definition.
'aeroplane' can be an answer for 'transport' (aeroplane is a kind of transport). I'm unsure of the 'air' bit.

'comic opera on the way' is the wordplay.
'comic' is an anagram indicator (an unusual or comical spelling).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the way' becomes 'lane' (lane is a kind of way).
'opera' is an anagram of 'aerop'.
'aerop'+'lane'='AEROPLANE'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aeroplane that I've seen before include "Eg, jumbo jet" , "Flying machine" , "crate?" , "Lancaster?" , "Spitfire, for example" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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