PLANS FOR JET AIR SERVICE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27824, 24 November 1955, Page 3

PLANS FOR JET AIR SERVICE

WHENUAPAI MAY NOT BE INCLUDED (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 23. Canadian Pacific Airlines planners fear that Whenuapai’s shortcomings may block New Zealand’s inclusion in Canadian Pacific’s round-the-world jet routing. The big Bristol Britannias the company will fly late in 1957 may not operate economically through Auckland’s present airfield. Today, Mr H. D. Main, executive assistant to the president of Canadian Pacific Airlines, left for Vancouver after an exploratory visit and official talks here. “No firm decision to fly Britannias here is possible yet,” he said. An expert company analysis of the South Pacific air routes, which would be made in coming months, would be the basis of the final decision, he said. “I think it doubtful that Whenuapai could handle the big fellows economically for the service we plan,” he said. The company’s initial plans involve a direct Auckland-Honolulu flight, on to Vancouver and then across the Pole to Europe and London. If Britannias cannot work out of Auckland, the company will probably retain the DC-6B’s it now flies.