N.A.C. Aircraft

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31365, 10 May 1967, Page 18

N.A.C. Aircraft

Sir,—ln view of our present precarious economic position, would It not be prudent to suggest to the Government and to N.A.C. that we cannot afford to replace the Viscount* at present? Hospital boards are being asked, among others, to curb expenditure. Why cannot N.A.C. do likewise? Or do our hospitals take second place to air travel in New Zealand? The Viscount is still comparatively young when compared to the D.C.3, which is still in service. Also, with less money becoming available for expensive air travel, fewer people will be travelling by N.A.C.— Yours, etc., NAVIGATOR. April 28, 1967. [The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr Gordon) replies: “ ‘Navigator’s’ approach is very reasonable, and I can assure you that this is one of several possible courses which the Government have considered. We came to the conclusion, after taking expert advice, that to delay the purchase of modern aircraft would be a false economy. Viscounts will need substantial medications soon, and thereafter their capabilities will be somewhat reduced. Additional aircraft capacity will be required. An examination of all the economic factors involved has made it clear that the best course is to obtain modern aircraft which can form the basis of a fleet to serve the people of New Zealand for many years to come. It is, of course, well known that each new generation of aircraft tends to be more efficient and cheaper to operate than its predecessor, particularly when its predecessors are aging.”]