GREAT GROWTH IN TASMAN AIR TRAFFIC SOON

Grey River Argus, 5 November 1949, Page 3

GREAT GROWTH IN TASMAN AIR TRAFFIC SOON

At Cheapest Fares In The World P.A. WELLINGTON, November 4. Three Wellington-Sydney return flights weekly, -increasing to four, after a short time, are planned by Tasman Empire Airways, Limited, when their Solent flying-boat service begins from Evans Bay, early, next April. A Solent service between Auckland and Sydney will start on November 14. When the service is in full operation, Auckland will have, seven return flights to Sydney every week, in addition to a return flight to Suva each week. With its 22 Tqsman crossings, the service could handle 990 passengers each week. The Company expects at least a sixty per cent, loading factor. This would entail nearly 31,000 passengers every year, and will make for economic operation. The fare from either Auckland or Wellington will be £25 4s. This means that the passenger mil e cost will be 45d, which is one of the lowest international air line rates in the world. The Company’s policy will be that ten seats on any one flight will always be left free for booking during th e fortnight before departure. This will reasonably ensure that “last minute” business trips can be catered for.