NEW PLANES FOR N.A.C.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29177, 11 April 1960, Page 16

NEW PLANES FOR N.A.C.

First Fokker Here In December

The first of four Fokker Friendship turbo-prop aircraft ordered by the National Airways Corporation should be flying in New Zealand before the end of the year, said Mr H. C. van Meerten. a managing director and chief design engineer of the Royal Netherland Aircraft Company. Amsterdam, in Christchurch last evening.

The first would probably be in operation in December, and the other three aircraft should be delivered at monthly intervals. Mr van Meerten has been in Australia, and is now visiting New Zealand with other officials of his company to prepare for the operation of the Fokker Friendships here. In Australia, where there are now 20 Fokker Friendship aircraft being operated by all airlines, he observed the operation of the planes, and talked with their operators. A team of National Airways Corporation pilots and crew recently left for Australia for training in flying the new aircraft. Mr van Meerten said that he saw no replacement of the turboprop aircraft for short or medium-distance range operation for some years. pie Fokker Friendship was being increasingly operated in countries throughout the world. Japan recently purchased these aircraft, and also Turkey. India and Pakistan. A total of 105 Fokker Friendships was in operation today, and three a month were continuing to be delivered from the company’s plant in Amsterdam. Others were being produced under licence in the United States.