ATLANTIC SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 11

ATLANTIC SERVICES

British Participation in New Air Project FLYING BOAT ORDERED (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, February 13. The Under-Secretary for Air, Sir Philip Sassoon, stated in the House of Commons that lie understood that an order for the construction of a flyingboat suitable for use on the BermudaNew York section of the projected trans-Atlantic air service, via the Azores and Bermuda, in conjunction with Pan-American Airways, had been placed by Imperial Airways. Preparations for British participation in tlie project were being expedited as far as possible. Replying to a supplementary question, Sir Philip Sassoon said that a great deal of ground organisation, including the construction of a new airport in Bermuda, had to be done and the permission of the Portuguese authorities to use the Azores obtained.

Wiiile the trans-Atlantic sea rivalrywill be renewed with the completion of- the Queen Mary and the proposed sister Cunarder, and France’s Normandie, new air rivalry is looming, says a Loudon cable. The size and speed of the new flying-boat for the Bermuda service is kept a secret. The “Sun-Herald” cable agency understands that the service from London to New York will take three days, and that the fare will be £l5O, and the longest hop 2170 miles. America has already two trans-Atlantic types of aircraft built to carry 24 and 50 passengers respectively. The new French flying-boat is likely to be a strong rival. DEMAND FOR ..COMETS Three Governments Order (British Official Wireless.) (Received February 14, 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, February 14. Three Governments have ordered De Havilland Comet monoplanes of the type that won the speed and handicap races from England to'Australia last October: The British Air Ministry has arranged to purchase the actual machine in which Scott and Black won the race by flying from England to Melbourne in 71 hours. It will be used in research and experimental work. France has ordered two Comets to be delivered to the French service for experimental flights with mails across the South Atlantic. Portugal has purchased Mr. and Mrs. Mollinsqp’s Comet. A flight from London to Rio de Janeiro by way of Lisbon is contemplated. MELBOURNE AT LAST Parer and Hemsworth Arrive Melbourne, February 13. Parer and Hemsworth, who started in the Centenary Air Race, arrived at Essendon Aerodrome at 12.30 p.m. on the completion of their flight from London. They will next fly to New Guinea, where their machine will be used on the goldfields.