FIJI AIR SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 30, 6 February 1933, Page 3

FIJI AIR SERVICE.

AUSTRALIAN CONTRACT.

SEAPLANES ON AORANGI.

Among the cargo in the hold of the Aorangi, which arrived from Sydney this morning en route to Vancouver, are two seaplanes, which are "being taken to Suva to undertake a mail and passenger carrying service. They are the property of the Australian Aircraft, Limited, which has made a three-year subsidised contract with the Fijian Government and a director of the company, Mr. J. G. Beohm, who is also its chief engineer, is accompanying the 'planes. Australian Aircraft, Limited, was established five years ago, and its factory is at Mascot, Sydney. It has manufactured 14 machines. The two on the Aorangi are equipped with 120 h.p. British engines, Cirrus Hermes Mark 2, and though the craft are fitted with floats they can be equipped for land work also. One is an open machine, with accommodation for two passengers, and the other a cabin, capable of taking three passengers in addition to the pilot. Should the venture prove successful, it is the intention to supplement these machines with a larger twinengined craff, with accommodation for six passengers. A 25ft speed boat to act as tender for the machines is also on the Aorangi, and a more powerful craft is later to be taken over to Fiji by the Karetu. This latter craft can be used as an auxiliary to the 'plane service. Fitted with a 25t) h.p. aeroplane engine and an auxiliary 20 h.p. marine engine, it can develop a speed of 35 knots,. The pilot for the service, Mr. A. S. Cross, who was previously with the company in New Guinea, is at present in Fiji, j