Study Of Rongotai ‘Best Solution’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32221, 13 February 1970, Page 1

Study Of Rongotai ‘Best Solution’

I (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 12. The cost-benefit study on Wellington Airport development called for by the Government would indicate (he best solution to the Wellington situation. Air New Zealand's general manager (Mr C. .1. Keppel) said in Auckland today.

“I would like Wellington to: know that Air New Zealand (wishes to keep the capital as an integral part of its network, and we want to do this ’with the best equipment possible,” he said. “The cost-benefit study will; take account of all the fac-l tors involved and point to the best solution to the Wellington situation. “As long as the operation is determined by the present runway length at Rongotai, the Electra is the only practicable aircraft for a transTasman service. “The Boeing 727 would be>

> so weight-restricted that it I would be impracticable." If, as a result of the cost- ’ benefit study, a decision was ’ made to extend Rongotai for i trans-Tasman jets, Air New . Zealand’s DCB and Qantas Boeing 707 could prove the best answer, he said. ’] Mr Keppel opposed relaxa(tion of operating require- : ments for Rongotai to allow the operation of certain types of aircraft. i! “While there will always be a need to keep these standards under review, safety is ■ the prime consideration in ■ setting operational criteria and obviously these cannot be ‘ changed lightly," he said.