diff --git a/game/squadrons.py b/game/squadrons.py
index 1cee891f..f999a621 100644
--- a/game/squadrons.py
+++ b/game/squadrons.py
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ class Pilot:
 @dataclass
 class Squadron:
     name: str
-    nickname: str
+    nickname: Optional[str]
     country: str
     role: str
     aircraft: AircraftType
@@ -97,6 +97,8 @@ class Squadron:
         self.auto_assignable_mission_types = set(self.mission_types)
 
     def __str__(self) -> str:
+        if self.nickname is None:
+            return self.name
         return f'{self.name} "{self.nickname}"'
 
     def claim_available_pilot(self) -> Optional[Pilot]:
@@ -215,7 +217,7 @@ class Squadron:
 
         return Squadron(
             name=data["name"],
-            nickname=data["nickname"],
+            nickname=data.get("nickname"),
             country=data["country"],
             role=data["role"],
             aircraft=unit_type,
diff --git a/qt_ui/windows/AirWingDialog.py b/qt_ui/windows/AirWingDialog.py
index 525f3c88..9a866640 100644
--- a/qt_ui/windows/AirWingDialog.py
+++ b/qt_ui/windows/AirWingDialog.py
@@ -40,12 +40,12 @@ class SquadronDelegate(TwoColumnRowDelegate):
 
     def text_for(self, index: QModelIndex, row: int, column: int) -> str:
         if (row, column) == (0, 0):
-            return self.air_wing_model.data(index, Qt.DisplayRole)
+            return self.squadron(index).name
         elif (row, column) == (0, 1):
             squadron = self.air_wing_model.data(index, AirWingModel.SquadronRole)
             return squadron.aircraft.name
         elif (row, column) == (1, 0):
-            return self.squadron(index).nickname
+            return self.squadron(index).nickname or ""
         elif (row, column) == (1, 1):
             squadron = self.squadron(index)
             alive = squadron.number_of_living_pilots