ANTARCTIC TOURISM Flights Plan Has Many Problems

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31763, 21 August 1968, Page 1

ANTARCTIC TOURISM Flights Plan Has Many Problems

Commercial flights between New Zealand and the Antarctic would involve many technical problems, said an Air New Zealand spokesman in Auckland yesterday.

He confirmed that the airline had some months ago made an elementary 7 study of the possibility of flights to the Antarctic after requests by the Holm Shipping Company.

In Wellington on Tuesday the managing director of the Holm company (Captain J. F. Holm) outlined a plan to fly tourists to the Antarctic from Christchurch and to use the Danish ship Magga Dan, anchored in McMurdo Sound, as a floating hotel.

Questioned by “The Press,” the spokesman said that Air New Zealand would be interested in further study of the possibility of Antarctic flights. The airline believed that the Holm company’s plans could depend on whether overseas travel agents succeeded in promoting such a venture. “Understatement” According to a spokesman for the Department of Civil Aviation, much work would be needed before tourist flights such as those suggested by Captain Holm were practicable. To say that there were many technical problems was an understatement.

Basic requirements included an acceptable type of landing field in the Antarctic with associated safety clearances, navigational aid both there and on the way, refuelling arrangements, and maintenance support. The type of landing field which might have acceptable safety tolerances for military use might not be acceptable for use by commercial airlines.

If such a plan became more positive, officials of the Department of Civil Aviation might have to go to the Antarctic to see for themselves, said the spokesman.

Economic Aspects

In addition to the considerable technical problems involved, economic aspects of the proposal would also bring difficulties.

The Magga Dan as a floating hotel can accommodate 27 tourists. The aircraft considered to have the range is the Electra which normally carries 68.

The near empty interior on such a flight might be used to carry an internal fuel tank to permit a return flight

without refuelling in the Antarctic.

The United States Navy Antarctic Support Force had no comment to make on Captain Holm’s proposal. The Navy has already recommended that all commercial traffic should be self-sustain-ing.