BRITISH AIR LINES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 26 November 1938, Page 7

BRITISH AIR LINES

THE NEW CORPORATION FAR-REACHING CHANGES EXTENSION OF SERVICES LONDON, 18th November. Far-reaching changes are expected to follow the formation of a public corporation to take over Imperial Airways and British Airways. These are likely to be as follows: (1) The relieving of the present Imperial Airways’ organisation of its Continental obligations, except its services to France and Italy, which are Empire Toute services. (2) Inauguration of a British service

across the South Atlantic, competing with German and French services. (3) Immediate consideration of the replacement of the Empire flying-boats with larger and faster types. (4) Inauguration of daily services from Croydon to all European capitals, particularly to Berlin. (5) Increased Government expenditure oi civil aviation in order to restore British prestige. (6) Enlargement of aircraft manufacturing to produce machines comparable with the best overseas, thus speeding up British services and building up the aeroplane export trade. The proposed new corporation is regarded as a direct result of the Cadman report, which stated: “Considerable effort and money are required if our position is to be secure.’’ The report inferred that Imperial Airways was unable to make the necessary effort unassisted and “is intolerant of suggestion and unyielding in negotiation.” The subsidy increase from £1,500,000 to £3,000.000 has already been approved, but has not yet been allocated.

The corporation will pool the resources of Imperial Airways and British Airways and does not intend to control them as separate branches. It will thus have 100 machines.