PACIFIC AIR ROUTES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 9

PACIFIC AIR ROUTES

“Major Battle Developing”

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. A major battle for Pacific commercial air routes is developing, according to an article in the current issue of the American magazine “Airlift” and quoted by the “Daily Telegraph.” The article says at least 11 American airlines will be involved. Some are domestic carriers which have previously given lifetie consideration to overseas operations. The routes sought “stretch from the United States east coast to every conceivable Pacific point.” President Eisenhower has directed the Civil Aeronautics Board to make recommendations covering the entire Pacific with the comment that the Administration is firmly committed to the view that “the public interest requires competitive American flag service at the earliest feasible date on all international air routes serving major United States gateways.” The President said this had been substantially achieved over the North Atlantic, but very little progress had been made over the Pacific.

The aviation correspondent of the ‘‘Daily Telegraph” says the United States domestic airlines are up in arms against Qantas, the Australian airline, operating a round world service and being allowed to carry pasengers between points in the United States, even though it does not bring them into the country nor is scheduled to fly them out s