French Ban On T.E.A.L. Attacked By Air Journal

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30445, 20 May 1964, Page 22

French Ban On T.E.A.L. Attacked By Air Journal

The unprecedented and entirely unwarranted expulsion of Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., from Tahiti by the French Government will not be forgotten or forgiven by aviation interests in New Zealand for a long time, says “Avinews,” the journal of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand. “Avinews” says that although the French action was legally within the terms of the agreement with New Zealand, it seems to lack all consideration of fairness and equity. With the impending introduction of DCB jet services by T.E.A.L. to North America, the elimination of rights to traffic at Papeete could place a very serious economic burden on the airline at a critical stage in its expansion, the journal says. The New Zealand Government’s tit-for-tat action in ex-

pelling the French-owned T.A.I. airline from the Dominion was poor consolation for T.E.A.L. and for the New Zealand taxpayers who poured large sums of money into the development of South Pacific air transport facilities. “Avinews” adds.

New Zealand, it says, should have made its support of development of Fijian airfields conditional on having some say over Pacific traffic rights. There have been recent intensive investigations into bringing one of;4he Cook Islands airfields up to jet standards as a substitute, the journal says. This would siphon a substantial part of tourist business from Tahiti and also help the Cook Islands.

But this scheme is complicated by the move for independence of the Cook Islands. If this succeeds, it is unlikely that New Zealand will construct or finance a jet airport there.

“The forthcoming conference between Cook Islands interests and the New Zealand Government may well have far-reaching effects for good or ill on T.E.A.L.’s economic well-being,” says “Avinews.” “New Zealand aviation and tourists interests will watch the outcome with anxiety but hope.”