FIRST TRIP TO MANILA

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 127, 25 November 1935, Page 11

FIRST TRIP TO MANILA

AMERICAN PROGRAMME

INAUGURAL FLIGHT

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyrifc'li t.

SAN FRANCISCO, November 23.

America's ambitious commercial aviation programme in the Pacific was officially inaugurated as a 25-ton China clipper aeroplane of Pan-American Airways got away with a perfect start on the first pay-load flight to Manila, via Hawaii, Midway, Wake, and Guam Islands. It is expected that the route of 7978 miles will be covered in approximately 60 hours' flying time. No> passengers were taken for the first trp, and the cargo consists of some two tons of mail, postage on which is some 60,000 dollars.

Thousands of spectators lined the bay as the craft prepared to start. Through extensive wireless arrangements,'officials at Washington, Manila, and Honolulu spoke during the ceremonies preceding the departure. All envisaged closer cultural and commercial relations with the Pacific Islands as well as the Asiatic mainland when the route is extended to Canton. The early likelihood of an extension of the service to New Zealand and Australia was mentioned by Post Office officials.

With bands blaring and crowds cheering, the president, Mr. Trippe, of Pan-American Airways, gave a radio signal to Captain Musick to cast off, and with a roar the giant craft t )k to the air, giving spectators an additional thrill as it dipped under the San Francisco Bay Bridge, now under construction.