LOADING OF AIR FREIGHTERS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28128, 17 November 1956, Page 8

LOADING OF AIR FREIGHTERS

MEXICAN INTEREST IN N.Z. PRACTICE

“CARGON SYSTEM VERY IMPRESSIVE”

The possibility of an advanced freight-loading system, developed in New Zealand, being introduced on airlines in Mexico to speed the operation of cargo planes, was discussed in Christchurch by an executive of Taca International Airlines (Mr Alberto Phillipe). Although the main purpose of his visit to New Zealand was to attend the congress of the Junior Chamber International in Wellington. Mr Phillipe has taken a keen interest in civil aviation in the Dominion during his three weeks’ stay. The cargon system of loading Bristol Freighter aircraft from elec-trically-operated trucks, which was pioneered by Straits Air Freight Express. was very impressive, said Mr Phillipe. It was “just amazing” that by this method 12,000!b of cargo could be loaded in about 12 minutes.

Asked whether his company was considering adopting this method, he said it would certainly be a great asset as Taca handled a tremendous amount of cargo, but there were many factors involved. It would not be suitable for the aircraft used at present by the company—DC-4’s—as the system was designed for aircraft like the Freighter, which opened up at either back or front.

Some South American airlines were now using the Fairchild Packet—an aircraft similar to the Freighter—and it was possible that the cargon system could be adapted for use on these aircraft, he said. Viscount Airliners

Another development in aviation in New Zealand that had been of interest to him was the proposed introduction of Viscount turbo-prop airliners by the National Airways Corporation, said Mr Phillipe. In Wellington he had discussions on the operation of Viscounts with the general manager of N.A.C. (Mr J. J. Busch), as his own company was in the process of changing its equipment, and the Viscount was being considered. Mr Phillipe said the Viscount would be very suitable for services operated by Taca. the longest of which was of five hours’ duration. About 60 to 70 cities were served by the company, and all were equipped with the most modern facilities as the Mexican Government took a great interest in the development of aviation. From what he had seen. of Harewood. it appeared likely to become one of the best airports in the world, said Mr Phillipe. Mr Phillipe, who was the guest in Christchurch of Mr P. B. Watts, will leave for Auckland today. During his stay in the Dominion, he had felt completely at home and was full of admiration for the achievements of the Junior Chambers in New Zealand, he said. The Wellington congress had been a wonderful success.