AIR SERVICE TO SUVA

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26122, 26 May 1950, Page 9

AIR SERVICE TO SUVA

TASMAN AIRWAYS TO TAKE OVER

(Neu; Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. May 25. After concentrating solely on the trans-Tasman service for "10 vears. T&nan Empire Airways. Ltd., is now read}' to start operating a new route—from Auckland to Suva. It will take over from the National Airways Corporation on June 6. Using Solent aircraft nn. ith 45 seats the company will operate a weekly service, leaving Auckland at 12.30 a.m. on Tuesdays and returning to Mechanics Bay at 1.30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Solent will arrive at Suva at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays, leaving for Lambasa two hours later, and returning to Suva at 1 p.m. the same day. The return flight will leave Suva at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays Announcing the start of ‘the new service, the general manager of the company (Mr G. N. Roberts) said that the bigger and faster aircraft should help in the development of Fiji as a winter tourist resort. “It is also hoped that the Solents’ increased capacity for air cargo may help improve the supply of certain fresh foods which are at present hard to get in Fiji.” The corporation has been operating the Suva service with a Sunderland, the Takitimu, this aircraft being withdrawn from service after a long career. The changeover is being made because Tasman Empire Airways has greater facilities to run the service economically.