INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27148, 18 September 1953, Page 10

INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC

8.0.A.C.’S PLANS FOR COMETS TALKS AMONG THREE GOVERNMENTS (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 17. Plans by Britain to recapture the main prizes in the international air passenger trade formed the main reason for the current discussions on the reorganisation and possible regrouping of trans-Tasman and transpacific air services, in which the Governments of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand were involved, said a New Zealand aviation authority in Wellington today. “Britain desires to release herself from partnership with Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., and British Commonwealth Pacific Airline,” he said. “The reason is that the British Overseas Airways Corporation intends to girdle the earth with jet airliners in a superexpress service from England by way of Canada and America to the East, and possibly to Australia and New Zealand, and back to England by way of India. “The service is planned to span the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at speeds far in excess of anything than can yet be attained by 8.0.A.C.’s competitors. “It is possible that when the scheme is fully implemented by 8.0.A.C., jet liners will fly each way over this round-the-world route,” tne authority said. “It is not expected, however, that the scheme will start until sufficient Comet Ill’s are available, as it is doubtful whether the present Comets could carry the pay load over the long hops on the route. “In the meantime the talks for the withdrawal of Britain from partnership with Australia and New Zealand in the Tasman and Pacific air services are proceeding to leave 8.0.A.C. free to operate independently when it is ready with machines and organisation. “The principal proposal at present is still for Qantas to take over the B.C.P.A. service between Australia and Canada, and for Teal to continue to operate the Tasman route.”