Genoese fliers? No no! (5)

I believe the answer is:

geese

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

'genoese fliers?' is the definition.
'geese' can be an answer for 'fliers?' (goose is a kind of bird). I am not certain of the 'genoese' bit.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for geese that I've seen before include "Birds; silly people" , "Stupid people" , "Water birds; fools" , "Water birds related to ducks and swans" , "Christmas birds" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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