TRANS-TASMAN AIR TRAFFIC

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29107, 20 January 1960, Page 16

TRANS-TASMAN AIR TRAFFIC

Faster Increase Than Expected

(N.Z Press Association—Copyright)

MELBOURNE, January 19

Air traffic across the Tasman was building up faster than New Zealand expected, New Zealand’s Air Secretary (Mr Rae) said in Melbourne last night. This was partly due to the great popularity of (he T.E.A.L. Electra aircraft and partly to the greater prosperity in New Zealand and Australia this year than last year, he said. TEAL'S three Electra propjets would be in full operation within three or four weeks.

“As travellers get used to the Electras, I think the trans-Tas-man traffic will build up even further,” said Mr Rae. Asked whether he thought the Electras would give T.E.A.L. a chance to increase its profit, he said: “I don’t think any other aeroplane could show a better profit-making ability across the Tasman than the Electra.” But he would not say whether Electra operations would make possible lower air fares between Australia and New Zealand. Mr Rae, New Zealand Trade Commissioner in Melbourne from 1947 to 1951, discussed Electra operations across the Tasman with the Director-General of Civil Aviation (Mr Anderson) after his arrival in Melbourne.