EUROPE’S AIR FORCES.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 December 1926, Page 5

EUROPE’S AIR FORCES.

FRANCE LEADS THE WAY. GERMANY’.* PROGRESS COMMERCIALLY (Received This Day, 0.5 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 19. Reviewing the naval and military aircraft strength of Europe, Major Turner, in the Daily Telegraph, says France is first with 1280 machines of the first line and numerous if not highly efficient reserves, and three thousand pilots available at short notice. Britain is second with 746 aeroplanes of the first line, proportionate reserves and 2200 pilots, Italy will shortly have 1660 machines, including reserves and training craft, and 930 pilots. Germany has no military aircraft of any importance. Russia, in spite of alarmist reports, has probably a total of under a thousand machines. As far as commercial aircraft are •concerned France is at present'operating about 150, Germany 130, and Britain only fifteen. Germany and France are much more favourably situated with bigger areas, better climatic conditions and opportunities of long routes not served by railways. Nevertheless it is disquieting t 6 see Germany take over the Amsterdam-London air service formerly run by Imperial Airways. Doubtless further German enterprises will be notified in the spring.