BRITAIN PLANS VAST AIR SERVICES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21935, 1 February 1946, Page 2

BRITAIN PLANS VAST AIR SERVICES

jVTESSAGES from London recently outlining the action Britain is taking to develop without delay vast air services on almost a world coverage are most reassuring. For some time much has been heard of the United States’ plans, but until lately. London was comparatively silent. Such reticence is characteristic but it has not been the cloak of inactivity. On the contrary, as the world now knows with the unfolding of Britain’s plans, it has disguised great activity. The United States enters the field of post-war air transport with a considerable lead. Britain has been among the first to admit this. During the war the United States developed air services throughout the world. With her armed forces scattered far and wide, she used aircraft in large numbers to serve them. The services were operated by the Army, the Navy and the Marine Corps, and there was scarcely a country in the world which did not see the aircraft of one or other of these commands. Their organisation was good and they built up a vast store of experience. Upon the cessation of hostilities, all their personnel had to clo. was to change their uniforms and they would become civilian operators on established routes. Britain had not the opportunities nor the resources to gain the same volume of experience. She was almost entirely dependent upon the United States for transport aircraft, as distinct from converted bomber types. Britain had to concentrate on bombers and fighters. But her experience was considerable, and she is now putting .it to good account. The United States, behind which is the compelling force of powerful private air line operators, intends shortly to operate expanded civilian services to Europe. South America,, the Middle East and the Far East, while Pan-American Airways has announced plans to resume operations on the South Pacific route. Britain proposes to operate routes throughout the British Commonwealth and between the United Kingdom, the United States and the Far East; between the United Kingdom and the Continent; and between the United Kingdom and South America. The aim will he fast, cheap, comfortable travel. Special types of aircraft are being constructed, but in the meantime converted bombers and American transports will he used. . For prestige reasons, this is an initial disadvantage. Great things, however, are in store. Britain, it has been stated officially, will have m the air in about a year revolutionary types of aircraft, which arc expected to place her beyond fear of competition. Some arc to be powered by jet engines, or gas turbines driving propcllors, and . will fly in the thin upper air at very high speeds. The emphasis is upon land-based aircraft. Some experts, however, believe that as aircraft increase in size to the giant class, landing-gear difficulties will become so great that flying-boats will offer the only solution. With the confidence that is being expressed in aviation circles as a guide, people can rest assured that Britain to-day is more alert than ever to the future of air transport. It is believed that the men and women who built the Spitfire, Mosquito, Lancaster and Meteor can clo it again—building this time large civil aircraft.