N.A.C. JOINS QUEUE FOR BOEING 737s

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31031, 11 April 1966, Page 1

N.A.C. JOINS QUEUE FOR BOEING 737s

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 10.

The Government’s dilemma over which jet airliner to order as Viscount replacement for the National Airways Corporation will not hold up delivery to N.A.C.—if the Boeing 737 is chosen, according to the “Sunday Times” today.

The newspaper said that the airline had advised Boeing of its intention to order. The “letter of intent” to buy three aircraft now assured N.A.C. a place in the queue of customers.

N.A.C. prefers the American plane to the British B.A.C. 1-11 because it promises better economics and better performance out of the network’s critical field, Wellington. The letter of intent for the American plane places N.A.C. in the eighties in the waiting list for this Boeing model. Delivery is expected in 1968. before the 1968-69 summer peak travel period. N.A.C. has acted without a Government decision because it is not yet required by Boeing to put up a deposit. It can withdraw without penalty. Letters of intent precede

almost all firm orders for airliners.

N.A.C. expects to have Government approval by the stage that a first payment is required. Because of a surge of support for the British plane during its recent demonstration flights in New Zealand, and hints by the British Government of trade obstacles if the sale did not go through, Cabinet was cautious about approving the N.A.C. preference, the “Sunday News” said. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said recently the Government was not nearly ready to make a decision.

The Boeing 737 is basically a 707, with a section of the mid-fuselage removed and the engines, slung under the wings reduced from four to two.

It has little in common with the 727. already in airline business,' which has twinmounted tail engines and a third engine on top of the fuselage in front of the tail.