EMPIRE AIR ROUTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 256, 26 September 1935, Page 7

EMPIRE AIR ROUTES

INCLUSION OF DOMINION.

FLYING-BOAT SERVICE. “EASILY ENSURED.” (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received September 26, 11.0 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 25. Sikorsky flying-boats manufactured in England will be employed on the trans-Tasman service if Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's negotiations with the Pacific Trust are successful. Mr Stephenson, a director of the trust, imormed the Associated Press that the boats, which will be better than the new Imperial Airways planes, will be ready in the autumn of 1936. Imperial Airways further announce that their flying-boats have four engines and a capacious cabin fitted with sleepers. It is estimated that night flying will easily ensure a seven-day service to Australia, also the range will permit of the inclusion of New Zealand.

The opinion is expressed that 168 hours provide a wide margin for all halts, refuelling and weather delays. While the Pan-American negotiations with New Zealand are being watched from London, a suggestion that they necessitate an Imperial conference is not confirmed. It is pointed out that such a service would not compete with the route through Australia, because even when connected with Britain across the Atlantic it would be too costly for both passengers and mails.

DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA

BACKING OF £1,000,000. SYDNEY, Sept. 25. The Sun says that the British Pacific Trust is prepared to find more than £1,000,000 for the development of Australian and New Zealand air lines. In addition to backing Sir Charles Kingsford Smith for liis proposal transTasman service linking New Zealand with a Pan-American Airways service, negotiations are proceeding to expand New Zealand Airways,. which is already operating a service between Sydney and Queensland, into a company with a capital of £1,000,000 to be known as Airlines of Australia, Ltd., with the idea of linking the whole of the eastern Australian capitals by air, also Darwin.