T.E.A.L’s NEW AIRCRAFT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29056, 19 November 1959, Page 14

T.E.A.L’s NEW AIRCRAFT

Visit To City Next Month

The first 400 m.p.h. jet-prop Electra aircraft to visit Christchurch will be seen here early next month when Tasman Empire Airways is to send its first Electra on courtesy sight-seeing flights around the city, according to the general manager of T.E.A.L. (Mr F. A. Reeves) in a statement yesterday. The first commercial Electra flights between Christchurch and Australia would be on January 23 and 24, said Mr Reeves. Carrying 70 passengers the aircraft would fly from Sydney to Christchurch (3hr 30min) and then back to Melbourne (4hr 25min) on January 23, and return from Melbourne to Christchurch (4hr) and then back to Sydney (3hr 55min) on January 24. “Passengers will get not only the convenience of faster, more comfortable flying with the Electra in and out of Christchurch in January, but also a more convenient flight time,” said Mr Reeves. “Undoubtedly, the era we are now entering with 400 m.p.h. jetprop airliners, carrying more than 70 passengers, will further strengthen New Zealand’s communications in the South Pacific. With the advent of the Electra, passengers—whether they are businessmen or holidaymakers—can spend a full day in Christchurch before leaving in the evening for Sydney and Melbourne.” The departure times for the regular services from January 23 are not fixed, but T.E.A L.’s tentative timetable calls for an 8 p.m. departure from Christchurch to both Sydney and Melbourne, and a 6.30 p.m. arrival time from these cities.

“A special supper will be served to first-class passengers on late flights,” said Mr Reeves.