Air League Concerned About Safe Air, Ltd

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31764, 22 August 1968, Page 26

Air League Concerned About Safe Air, Ltd

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 21

Safe Air, Ltd, with its fleet of freighter aircraft, its unique container-loading system, and its expertise at all levels, was too valuable to the country to be allowed to fall into decline, said the Dominion president of the Air League of New Zealand (Sir Matthew Oram) last night.

The company faces loss of freight business through ending of contracts with the National Airways Corporation and the Railways Department. A conference should be called at once of all organisations concerned in the air transporation of freight to determine and preserve the future role of Safe Air, Ltd. said Sir Matthew Oram. As an airline that had served Government interests exclusively for 17 years, Safe

Air was entitled to this, he said.

Sir Matthew Oram suggested this might well be a first task for the proposed new Ministry of Transport. League’s Concern

He said he could not believe that the future held no promise for an airline that had built such a fine reputation for the efficient carriage of a large share of the country’s merchandise. As Straits Air Freight Express—its original name—the company had pioneered containerisation in New Zealand; and the company’s subsequent development, culminating in the Chathams passenger service, had earned widespread admiration.

The Air League was conct..ed that Safe Air should survive its present crisis.