FEW AIR FEEDER SERVICES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28973, 14 August 1959, Page 7

FEW AIR FEEDER SERVICES

Government Policy Criticised

(New Zealand Press Association) TAUPO, August 13-.

Because the’ National Airways Corporation was at the whimsical beck and call of political pressure, small aviation companies were unable to develop any type of secondary feeder service to small towns in New Zealand, the chairman of the Air Transport section of the Aviation Association (Mr O. G. James) told a group of Taupo business men. He said there was an urgent need for an announcement of Government policy. “The overall policy of the passenger section of the aviation industry in New Zealand is being handicapped and restricted by the lack of Government policy which would enable it to develop,” he said. “Until such time as the Government does resolve where the many and varied matters fit in their proper sequence, it is unlikely that any company will come forward with finance to invest in feeder-type services,” he added. To provide the public with multi-engined high-performance aircraft, a very substantial sum of money was involved. Under the present policy smaller operators could possibly develop and promote services throughout various secondary routes only to find that, through political pressure brought to bear on the nationally owned airline, N.A.C. would be forced to move in opposition. “As we understand it, the corporation is not opposed to the establishment of these feeder services and, in fact, seems prepared to encourage them. However, since the corporation is at the whim of political pressure, neither parties know where they stand.” The Government had in its possession a questionnaire sent out by the aviation industry, which, if answered in full, would resolve the problem, Mr James added.